Vinicius Jr.'s Real Madrid contract extension is at a standstill over a €125M renewal bonus. The Brazilian wants to match Kylian Mbappé's package, but Madrid refuses.
Contract extension talks for Vinicius Junior are at a delicate stage. Although both parties will need to resume negotiations once the player returns from vacation, the economic differences between Real Madrid and the player are significant, and there is currently no expectation that this will change in the short term. Ahead lies a meeting with the player to try to clarify the matter, with the possibility of a sale this summer still on the table.
The Brazilian attacker, who currently earns around 15 million euros net per season, aspires to become the club's highest-paid player alongside Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid believes that a salary review is necessary, but the club has set a clear limit: raising his salary to 20 million euros net per year without disrupting the salary scale.
The player's entourage demands go beyond salary. In addition to a pay increase, Vinicius intends to include a significant renewal bonus in his new contract, similar to the operation that brought Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Defensa Central.
The biggest point of disagreement between the two parties lies precisely in the matter of financial compensation. The forward's entourage demands a sum close to 125 million euros, according to the cited outlet, a figure that would serve as a reference to the bonus Mbappé received when joining the club as a free agent. The Valdebebas offices appear to have completely ruled out that possibility.
The management considers the two situations very different: the French international arrived in Madrid without a transfer fee after his contract with PSG expired, whereas Vinicius is already part of the squad and has a valid contract. That is why the club believes a renewal bonus is not applicable.
The World Cup represented an opportunity for Vinicius to strengthen his negotiating position. The Brazilian had a more-than-solid tournament, with 4 goals and 1 assist in 5 matches, although his team's elimination in the round of 16 prevented his performance from having a greater impact.
Real Madrid understands that its international performance does not change its valuation of the player, whom it considers a very important piece in the locker room.
Furthermore, Mbappe's presence has changed the competitive landscape within the squad. Although Vinicius remains a fundamental piece for the project, the club believes that the leader of Real Madrid should be the Frenchman. The central axis of the project.
Whatever conclusion is reached, it's more than clear that the Brazilian will have plenty of options on the table for his future.
