Reports from La Liga suggest that Real Madrid’s contract renewal plans for one of their brightest stars have taken a significant turn ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The future of Vinicius Jr’s contract remains one of the major talking points around Real Madrid, with the upcoming FIFA World Cup now emerging as a key factor in the negotiations between the club and the Brazilian forward.
According to sources, discussions over a new deal have been completely stalled for nearly ten months, despite both parties appearing close to an agreement earlier.
The forward remains under contract until 2027, but the lack of progress has ensured ongoing uncertainty surrounding one of Real Madrid’s most valuable assets.
Although neither side appears concerned about an immediate separation, time is shifting the balance of power, especially with the World Cup drawing nearer.
Contract talks remain on hold
Recent reports indicate that Real Madrid and Vinicius were close to finalising a contract extension before talks unexpectedly broke down last summer.
At that time, both sides were confident a deal would eventually be reached after agreeing to revisit the matter later, though that follow-up has yet to happen.
With Real Madrid currently focused on their presidential election and several key sporting issues taking priority, it seems unlikely that negotiations will resume before the World Cup.
In that context, a strong World Cup performance could significantly boost Vinicius’s bargaining power when discussions reopen.
Such a showing would not only strengthen his position at Real Madrid but also increase interest from clubs across Europe if his future remains unresolved.
Vinicius now holds a stronger position than before
It has been reported that during the previous round of talks, the player even agreed to lower his salary demands considerably.
His initial request was reportedly close to 30 million euros per season.
However, both sides eventually reached a figure much closer to the club’s expectations, creating optimism that a deal was imminent before everything stalled.
It is worth recalling that when Vinicius Jr last renewed his contract in 2022, he accepted a progressive deal averaging 15 million euros net per season.
That figure placed him among the club’s top earners, but comparisons with Kylian Mbappe continue to influence discussions.
This is why the current negotiations go beyond salary matters, touching also on status and recognition within the team.
Real Madrid midfielder could make a surprise loan move to Juventus this summer
Real Madrid are preparing for major changes this summer, including the arrival of Jose Mourinho as the new head coach.
Although Mourinho’s return marks a major shift, the futures of some players remain uncertain, including Eduardo Camavinga.
Camavinga’s likelihood of leaving Santiago Bernabeu appears to be growing after a disappointing 2025/26 season.
The French midfielder has been linked with a move, with Juventus emerging as a potential destination.
Is a loan move on the cards?
Reports suggest that Eduardo Camavinga could leave Real Madrid on loan to Juventus this summer.
Such a deal would allow the Frenchman to remain a Real Madrid player, something he has always wanted, while securing regular playing time in one of Europe’s top leagues.
These Italian reports come amid increasing signs that Jose Mourinho does not plan to include Camavinga in his setup for next season.
Real Madrid prefer a permanent sale
However, internal sources at Real Madrid believe that a permanent transfer would make more sense.
With Camavinga under contract until 2029, the management estimates his value between 35 million and 40 million euros.
This would relieve the club of his wage burden and free up squad space for a rebuild under Mourinho’s leadership.
This is unsurprising given that Camavinga has never managed to secure a consistent starting role during his five seasons at the club.
His lack of progression, compounded by recurring injuries and a notorious red card against Bayern Munich, has frustrated both fans and club executives.
Adding to his woes, Camavinga was not included in France’s World Cup squad, underscoring the decline in his standing as a midfielder.
Manchester City star emerges as the second marquee signing for Real Madrid presidential candidate
Earlier this week, Enrique Riquelme officially announced that he would bring Ballon d’Or winner and Real Madrid target Erling Haaland to the club if elected president.
He also revealed that more promises would be unveiled later this week, including another superstar signing.
Tomorrow, Riquelme is expected to officially announce the identity of his second marquee signing, who has been confirmed as an international player.
However, the player’s identity has already been leaked to the public.
Manchester gem
Recent revelations confirm that the player Riquelme referred to is none other than Erling Haaland of Manchester City.
The Norwegian striker is viewed as the ideal choice by the presidential candidate to strengthen Real Madrid’s attack and restore the team’s competitiveness.
Riquelme intends to do everything possible to keep Haaland at Real Madrid if he wins the election.
The only question that remains is how Kylian Mbappe and Haaland could operate together within the same system.
That challenge becomes even more complex with Vinicius Jr also occupying a starting spot on the wing.
As both are central forwards, their roles could potentially overlap.
A complicated move
Regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, signing Haaland will not be easy.
However, one factor that could make the move possible is Pep Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City.
The exit of the legendary manager is expected to mark the beginning of a new project for the Blues.
This could create internal tension and instability in the dressing room, something Real Madrid might seek to exploit.
Nevertheless, Haaland’s long-term contract and massive valuation would require a record-breaking fee to complete the transfer, raising questions about its economic feasibility.
Additionally, the potential locker-room imbalance such a move might cause would also need careful management.
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