The real reason why Vinicius is not renewing with Real Madrid

Héctor Andreu | 25 Sep 2025 | 14.45

Vinicius wants a juicy bonus to renew with Real Madrid / BBC

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Vinicius Jr current winger for Real Madrid is going through a tense moment that could define his medium-term future. With a contract valid until June 2027 and no closed renewal agreement, the white club finds itself in a countdown that forces them to move cautiously.

The renewal dilemma of Vinicius Jr

The board led by Florentino Pérez knows that this season represents their last significant opportunity to achieve an extension or execute a transfer with substantial income. If Vinicius doesn't sign before the summer, the club will lose negotiating power and risk a departure without revenue.
According to journalist Iván Martín (Okdiario), Vinicius stands firm in his position: he seeks a substantial bonus—whether for renewal or signing—as an essential part of the new deal. Madrid has reportedly offered a salary increase close to 25 million euros net, in line with the earnings of Mbappé and Bellingham, who already receive between 12 and 15 million net plus bonuses.
However, this offer creates internal tension: the club aims to maintain its salary scale to avoid triggering a cascade of similar demands among other players.

Extended tactic: gives the player the initiative

Real Madrid's strategy is clear: to wait for Vinicius to enter a phase of "time pressure." The player, aware that his bargaining power grows over time, chooses not to rush. He is not yet directly involved with Florentino; the discussions are handled by his agents and other institutional intermediaries.
A recent two-hour summit took place at Valdebebas between the Brazilian's entourage and club officials. The meeting, earlier than planned, aims to unlock positions before the debate escalates publicly. However, there still exists an approximate 15% difference in the economic offer.
Sources like ESPN indicate that Vinicius's current salary is around 17 million net euros (including bonuses), and there were previous approaches that did not materialize.

Sporting, media pressure, or both?

In sporting terms, the Brazilian has questioned his role under the new coach Xabi Alonso: he has not completed a full 90-minute match this season and has been substituted in 10 games. Alonso defends his rotation policy, although he acknowledges the player's frustration.
Moreover, Vinicius's drop in the Ballon d'Or ranking, down to 16th place in 2025, fuels his desire for recognition.
Externally, his circle relies on the expectation that Saudi clubs may make tempting offers again. In 2025, there were rumors of record proposals exceeding 300 or 350 million euros to acquire his services.
It's not far-fetched to consider that one of these offers could impact the negotiations.

Risks and red lines of Real Madrid

For the club presided over by Florentino Pérez, time is of the essence: to secure a renewal that keeps their gem or ensure a favorable exit. A wage conflict could trigger a wave of internal demands.
Madrid has stated clearly: they are open to improving the salary if Vinicius takes a step back, but without breaking their structural philosophy. If there is no agreement, next summer could mark the final moment for a transfer negotiation.
In this scenario, the balance is delicate: the official priority is for him to continue wearing white, but the player holds the cards if he prolongs the wait.

The standoff continues: Vinicius Jr holds the key to the outcome. Real Madrid and its president are watching cautiously. He, patient and in a strong position, may decide not to renew... or do so at the price he sets.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El verdadero motivo por el que Vinicius no renueva con el Real Madrid