In a move that could reshape Real Madrid’s future, a new internal crisis is beginning to unfold—centered on Brazilian international winger Vinicius Junior—amid unprecedented financial demands that threaten the club’s long-standing salary structure.
According to sources close to the matter, the club’s management, led by Florentino Pérez, is under mounting pressure from one of the team’s key starters. The player is reportedly insisting on financial terms that some within the club have described as “provocative,” prompting urgent intervention from the board to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
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Spanish outlet El Debate revealed that Vinicius Junior has demanded an annual salary of €30 million to renew his contract with Los Blancos—an amount the club’s leadership has flatly rejected, citing the importance of preserving financial equilibrium and not exceeding the internal salary cap.
The board reportedly believes that Vinicius’ performance during the past season did not meet expectations. He was not nominated for any major individual awards, such as the Ballon d’Or, and his defensive contributions in key matches—most notably the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain—have come under scrutiny.
While Vinicius’ current contract runs until 2027, his agent is allegedly seeking to delay any renewal until 2026, at which point the player would enter the final year of his deal. This tactic would allow him to negotiate either a significantly improved contract, a large signing bonus, or even a free transfer.
However, Florentino Pérez and his board have drawn a firm line in the sand: either Vinicius agrees to extend his deal before June 2026, or he will be sold. All signs suggest that the upcoming season will be decisive in determining the winger’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu, especially amid growing public criticism.
The ball is now firmly in Vinicius’ court. Will he rise to the occasion and prove he’s worth the astronomical salary he seeks—or is his departure from Real Madrid simply a matter of time?
