Real Madrid chief executive José Ángel Sánchez met face to face with the representatives of Vinicius Junior at Valdebebas on Wednesday to resolve the forward's contract situation. The meeting marked the first in-person talks after nearly two years of negotiation as Vinicius enters the final year of his deal, which expires in June 2027.
The Spanish club has offered Vinicius a contract extension of around 20 million euros net per season, a financial threshold the board refuses to exceed. Real Madrid also rejected a request to include a renewal bonus, while Vinicius believes his achievements and global standing warrant higher pay.
Real Madrid wants the player to accept the offer, but the board will consider listening to transfer offers to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2027. Wednesday's meeting served to begin unblocking negotiations over a contract that must end in either a renewal signature or a sale.
Club policy and salary boundaries
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said during his presidential election campaign that those who want Vinicius sold are the rivals of Real Madrid. Pérez has supported Vinicius since the player joined the club at 18, and the Brazilian is now preparing to begin his ninth season in Madrid.
Pérez maintains strict salary boundaries that he previously enforced with club figures including Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo. Adhering to this wage structure has established Real Madrid as the most financially stable major club in European football.
Trophies and achievements at Real Madrid
Vinicius has won 14 titles with Real Madrid, including three La Liga championships and two Champions League titles. He scored decisive goals in both European finals, first against Liverpool in Paris and later against Borussia Dortmund in London.
The forward has scored 128 goals in 375 appearances for the club, establishing himself as a top candidate for the Ballon d'Or. Following the 2022 Champions League final, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said that any player who scores the winning goal in a European final earns legend status.
Transfer interest and pre-season training
No official transfer bids have arrived at Valdebebas, although Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta have shown the strongest interest in signing the winger. Meanwhile, Vinicius returned to pre-season training as normal following his summer break.
Speaking after his first training session, Vinicius said that his return went very well as he got to know the new manager and new players while working hard. He told RMTV that new Real Madrid manager José Mourinho wants him to remain happy, joyful, and playing his usual style of football.
