Vinicius Jr. contract uncertainty grows amid Cristiano Ronaldo-level demands

Reports of an imminent contract extension for Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid have been strongly denied by the player’s camp, casting doubt over his long-term future with the Spanish giants. Despite multiple Spanish outlets suggesting that a deal keeping the Brazilian star at the Bernabéu until 2030 was close, sources close to the player have firmly pushed back, claiming no agreement is near.

According to The Athletic, although Real Madrid have maintained that talks have been ongoing for several months, Vinicius Jr.’s representatives have disputed the timeline and nature of the negotiations. They state that the club has not submitted a fresh proposal since rejecting the player’s initial counteroffer.

Real Madrid believe Vinicius Junior’s contract renewal is at an advanced stage.

Yet the player’s camp — who are pushing for a package worth €30m a year — have strongly denied a deal is close. His current contract expires in 2027.

The interest from Saudi Arabia has gone quiet… pic.twitter.com/hOPGtyRqRL

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 24, 2025

More on this topic:

Arsenal beats Real Madrid at Bernabeu to clinch first CL semis in 16 years

The first official discussions reportedly took place in late January at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground, coinciding with the club’s Champions League preparations against Red Bull Salzburg. Present at the meeting were two of Vinicius’ agents and his father. Madrid offered a base annual salary between €15 million and €20 million—figures that align with Vinicius’ current earnings once bonuses are included.

While this salary level would place Vinicius among the club’s top earners and on par with Kylian Mbappé’s fixed wage, the Brazilian forward is reportedly seeking a significantly larger financial package. Sources indicate he is aiming for a “Cristiano Ronaldo-type” deal—an agreement worth around €30 million per year, including performance-based bonuses and a substantial renewal signing bonus.

Such demands represent a significant departure from Real Madrid’s typical wage structure and would place Vinicius among the highest-paid players in the club’s history. The club has yet to respond formally to the counterproposal.

Should contract talks ultimately collapse, Madrid president Florentino Pérez is believed to have a contingency plan. Pérez reportedly views Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as the ideal successor to Vinicius. Haaland, who had been a Madrid target before moving to City in 2022, recently extended his contract with the Premier League champions until 2034. Acquiring him would be both financially and logistically complex, but Madrid remain admirers of the Norwegian’s long-term potential.