Real Madrid have reopened contract extension negotiations with representatives of Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Club president Florentino Pérez aims to secure the 26-year-old’s long-term future before he enters the final stages of his current deal. However, the latest round of talks has surfaced new financial and commercial demands not previously emphasized in prior discussions.
Real Madrid Submit New Proposal as Salary Gap Persists
According to ESPN, Real Madrid presented a new offer to Vinícius featuring an annual salary of €22 million.
However, the player and his representatives view the proposal as below his market value within the squad, seeking an overall financial package closer to €30 million annually. Entering his peak career years, Vinícius’s entourage considers this contract negotiation the most crucial of his career.
Real Madrid currently do not plan a substantial increase to their offer, intending to preserve their established wage structure and prevent setting precedents for other squad members.
Player Demands: Net Salary, Image Rights, and Renewal Bonus
Spanish daily Diario AS reports that Vinícius is seeking €20 million net per season, alongside a higher percentage of his image rights. His representatives are aiming for a commercial arrangement similar to that of Kylian Mbappé, who retained the majority of his image rights upon joining the club.
Furthermore, Vinícius’s camp has raised the topic of a renewal bonus, drawing parallels to the signing bonus awarded to Mbappé.
While AS figures focus on net salary, the total package requested—including performance incentives and commercial rights—aligns with the €30 million gross valuation reported by ESPN.
Contractual Status and Arsenal Interest
Vinícius’s current contract runs through June 30, 2027. Should no agreement be reached, he will be eligible to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs beginning January 2027.
While both parties publicly prioritize extending their partnership, the widening financial gap has led Real Madrid to consider a potential sale if negotiations remain stalled.
Amid the impasse, Arsenal are monitoring the situation and evaluating the financial feasibility of a potential move, though no formal offer has been submitted. Real Madrid would only consider a sale in the event of an exceptional financial proposal.
