The renewal of Vinicius is one of the most talked-about topics in the corridors of the Santiago Bernabéu this season. Although various media outlets claimed that an agreement had already been reached to extend his contract until 2030, the reality appears to be very different, according to Mario Cortegana in The Athletic. According to this source, the player has not yet renewed his contract with Real Madrid and negotiations are still ongoing, with points of friction between both parties.
Vinicius has not renewed
The story begins in 2023, when a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), representing the country’s Ministry of Sports, began to approach Vinicius to, in principle, sponsor his e-Sports team. Since then, contacts with Vinicius’ entourage have continued. In March 2024, there was a meeting in Prague, where the player participated briefly via video call, and where talks began about a first multimillion-dollar offer for the Brazilian star. Saudi Arabia tried again in the summer, this time with a face-to-face meeting in London. Real Madrid flatly refused to enter into negotiations and reportedly referred to the €1 billion release clause established in the player’s 2022 contract renewal, which runs until 2027.
Vinicius, in any case, did not completely close the door on a future in the Saudi Pro League, although at the time, Vinicius himself considered that it was not the right option. Among his arguments was Vinicius’ ambition to win the Ballon d’Or—he finished second in 2024—and to continue playing at the top of European football alongside Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s latest signing.
Vinicius’ demands
Despite the rumors, there is no agreement between Vinicius and Real Madrid. The Athletic confirms that the club has not yet made a new offer after rejecting the proposal that the Brazilian put on the table months ago. Real Madrid offered a salary of between €15 million and €20 million per year, in line with what the player already earns including bonuses. However, the Brazilian’s entourage is aiming for historic figures, close to €30 million net per season, a sum that would include a fixed salary, performance bonuses, and a renewal bonus on par with what Cristiano Ronaldo received.
The last meeting took place during the week of Real Madrid’s match against Manchester City, with no significant progress. Since then, there has been institutional silence, although the player’s entourage was present at the Bernabéu during the Champions League match against Arsenal, with no further talks taking place.
Vinicius remains calm
In public, Vinicius has repeated that he wants to make history at Real Madrid and that his desire is to stay at the club. And although his current contract expires in 2027, every transfer window without a renewal strengthens his negotiating position. The player and his family believe there is no rush, and if Madrid does not raise its offer, they are comfortable waiting.
Meanwhile, according to the US media, the Bernabéu offices are beginning to consider alternative scenarios. One of them would be Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker and a great admirer of president Florentino Pérez, as a possible replacement if the Brazilian decides to leave.
For now, Saudi Arabia remains in the background, but it has not given up on its goal. And although Chamartín is confident of convincing the Brazilian, the reality is that Vinicius has not renewed his contract, and time is beginning to work against him.