Softfootball has gathered that Real Madrid has stalled the contract renewal talks with player Vinicius Junior following uncertainty about the Brazilian’s wages.
Real Madrid’s negotiations with Vinícius Jr. over a long-term contract extension have hit a standstill, with the forward’s wage demands proving a major stumbling block.
According to Mundo Deportivo, discussions to renew the Brazilian’s deal until 2030 have been paused after the 25-year-old requested a salary package worth €30 million per year, including a renewal bonus, which would make him the highest-paid player at the club.
Madrid are unwilling to meet those terms at this time and have decided to delay talks, with reports suggesting the club is also open to evaluating offers for the player should significant bids arrive this summer.
Vinícius, who joined Los Blancos from Flamengo in 2018, still has two years remaining on his current contract. While Madrid is understood to have proposed a revised offer worth €10 million annually, the gap between the two parties remains significant.
The forward’s recent form has also raised questions internally. Despite contributing a goal and an assist at the Club World Cup, his performances came under scrutiny. He was only included in the starting XI for the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury and was substituted after a below-par display.
Vinícius remains a key figure in Madrid’s long-term plans, but the club is wary of disrupting their wage structure. As things stand, the situation remains unresolved, with a decision on his future likely to come later in the summer.
Recall that Softfootball has earlier reported that Real Madrid has re-signed former academy wonderkid Alvaro Careras. The 22-year-old left-back rejoins Los Blancos after coming through the club’s academy between 2017 and 2020, before spells with Manchester United and, most recently, Benfica.
Carreras impressed in Portugal last season, helping Benfica lift the 2025 Portuguese League Cup and continuing his development as one of Europe’s brightest young defenders. He had previously earned recognition at Manchester United, where he was named the club’s Under-23 Player of the Season in 2021–22.
