Vinicius Jr Stalls on Madrid Contract Amid Bonus Dispute and Uncertain Role

Key Takeaways:

• Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid are at an impasse in contract talks, despite his deal expiring in two years
• Madrid offered €20m annually, but Vinicius’s representatives want a package worth up to €30m per year
• His camp have dismissed Saudi Arabian interest and are waiting to see how Xabi Alonso utilises him this season

Contract Standstill Raises Long-Term Uncertainty

Real Madrid and Brazilian international Vinicius Junior remain gridlocked in their negotiations over a long-term contract extension, despite earlier optimism from the Spanish club that an agreement was close. With two years left on his current deal, the club had hoped to secure his future well in advance—standard practice for elite players at Europe’s leading sides.

However, according to reports confirmed by ESPN, Vinicius has yet to formally respond to Madrid’s most recent offer. His agents, Fred Pena and Thassilo Soares, have reportedly dismissed the terms, asserting that it “does not make sense” to proceed under the current proposal.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Talks over a new contract for Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid have been STALLED for weeks, per ESPN. pic.twitter.com/InYub6sqwI

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 18, 2025

Salary Proposal Falls Short of Agent Demands

Vinicius currently earns approximately €17 million per year, making him the second-highest-paid player at the club, behind recent arrival Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid’s latest offer involves a modest increase to €20 million annually—a roughly 15% raise—but it falls short of his agents’ expectations.

The demand from his camp includes not only the base salary but also an additional €10 million in yearly performance-related bonuses, which would push the potential total to €30 million per annum. According to his representatives, the proposed increase does not sufficiently justify a commitment through to 2030.

Saudi Interest Fades as Sporting Concerns Take Priority

Madrid reportedly opened discussions with Vinicius as early as February, partly motivated by external interest, namely from Saudi Arabia. But those conversations now appear irrelevant. His agents have clarified that Saudi Arabian clubs have not pursued him since December, effectively taking that option off the table for the time being.

Instead, Vinicius’s entourage are now focused on how new head coach Xabi Alonso will utilise the forward in the upcoming campaign. There are lingering concerns about his role in the squad, particularly following speculation he could have been benched during the Club World Cup semi-finals. Also of concern is the media’s influence on public perception of the negotiations, which his representatives are monitoring closely.

Focal Season Ahead After Dip in Form

This season carries significant weight for Vinicius, who has so far struggled to rekindle his top form following Mbappe’s arrival. While the Frenchman settled into a productive rhythm toward the end of last season, Vinicius appeared ill at ease with the new on-pitch dynamics, failing to establish chemistry with his high-profile teammate.

It marked the first meaningful regression in the winger’s trajectory since breaking into Real Madrid’s first team. With expectations high and scrutiny intensifying, the onus will be on the 23-year-old to reassert his importance and deliver consistent performances—particularly as contract talks continue to stall.

Real Madrid’s Reported Offer vs. Agent Demands