Vinicius Jr Refuses Real Madrid Extension Amid Xabi Alonso Tensions – The Athletic
Vinicius Junior has expressed his reluctance to renew his contract with Real Madrid due to ongoing tensions with head coach Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian forward met with club president Florentino Perez late last month and made it clear that he does not believe extending his contract is in his best interest at this time.
Contract Situation and Tensions
Vinicius Jr’s current contract runs until June 2027. Talks about an extension began in January but have since stalled as the two sides remain at an impasse. Following a recent 2-1 victory over Barcelona on October 26, Vinicius Jr apologized to Perez for his behavior during the match, where he reacted angrily to being substituted.
During their conversation, he reiterated his stance on the contract, attributing it to his strained relationship with Alonso. This tension has been exacerbated over the weeks, turning into a significant topic of discussion at the club.
Origins of the Conflict
The struggle between Vinicius Jr and Alonso can be traced back to a match on July 9, when Madrid faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals. Initially, Alonso intended to bench Vinicius Jr, but an injury to another player required a change that put him in the starting lineup, albeit in an unfamiliar position on the right wing.
This season, Vinicius Jr has completed only five of Madrid’s 17 matches, including several where he started from the bench. He believes that Alonso’s decisions regarding his selection are unfair. His social media apology after the Barcelona match notably omitted mentioning Alonso, despite naming others, showcasing the ongoing friction.
Salary Negotiations and Future Prospects
Vinicius Jr’s current earnings are approximately €18 million per year, with a €1 billion release clause. Earlier this year, Madrid proposed a contract renewal offering an increase to about €20 million. However, Vinicius Jr’s representatives asked for a much higher package, equal to the club’s record salary previously awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo, encompassing up to €30 million annually.
The club recognized that beyond financial discrepancies, the challenging dynamics between Alonso and Vinicius Jr impede successful negotiations. While the president maintains a supportive stance towards Vinicius Jr, the current state of affairs raises concerns at the club.
Club’s Response and Future Outlook
Madrid’s officials are hopeful that improving performances could alleviate tensions between Vinicius Jr and Alonso. Key figures at the club, including Perez and chief scout Juni Calafat, are actively engaged in fostering a positive environment for the team and player.
As the season progresses, both club leaders and fans await a resolution to this situation, which they hope will ultimately benefit both the player and the team’s overall dynamics.
