Real Madrid is scheduled to meet with Vinícius Júnior‘s representatives this week to continue discussions regarding his contract renewal, according to sources cited by ESPN. However, the club is not willing to raise their latest offer to the talented winger.
On Monday, ESPN reported that Real Madrid presented a new deal for Vinícius following the World Cup, which amounts to approximately €22 million per year, after a prolonged stalemate in negotiations for a new contract.
Speculation has been rampant this summer regarding the Brazil international, whose current contract is set to expire in June 2027, particularly with interest from Premier League champions, Arsenal.
Sources indicate that Madrid is unwilling to extend beyond their latest proposal, with a considerable gap remaining between the club’s offer and the player’s desired €30 million annual salary.
Juni Calafat, the chief scout at Madrid, is advocating for Vinícius’ contract renewal, sources have reported.
An insider revealed to ESPN that the meeting is slated for Wednesday, and a source close to the player confirmed that talks will indeed take place this week.
Vinícius is currently earning about €17.5 million annually as he enters the final year of his existing contract.
If a renewal is not achieved, the winger could leave the Bernabéu on a free transfer at the conclusion of this season and is eligible to negotiate a pre-contract with other clubs starting in January.
Sources have indicated that both the player and his representatives believe this contract will be a pivotal moment in Vinícius’ career, especially at 26 years old.
– Why ‘winning the summer transfer window’ doesn’t help Premier League clubs
– Yan Diomande transfer to Real Madrid won’t be held up by agency battle – Leipzig chief
– Bernardo Silva ‘didn’t think twice’ about joining Real Madrid
They feel that Madrid should properly acknowledge the contributions the star has made since joining in 2018, including pivotal goals in two Champions League finals.
Last week, ESPN reported that Madrid might be open to the possibility of Vinícius leaving this summer if an agreement on a contract extension isn’t reached.
In such a scenario, a source indicated that the club would anticipate a transfer fee of around €150 million, despite the player nearing the end of his contract.
Vinícius returned to training on Monday after his post-World Cup break, undergoing medical evaluations and practicing alongside teammates and new coach José Mourinho.
“It has gone very well getting to know the new coach and the new players and training very hard,” he shared with Real Madrid TV during pre-season.
“Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, joyful, and to play my football. We need to physically prepare so that during the season, we can reduce injuries and ensure that everyone is available.”