Real Madrid's negotiations over a contract extension with Brazilian forward Vinicius have been stalled for a long time. The reason is that the player is demanding the highest salary in the team, as well as bonus terms on par with Kylian Mbappé, a request that has been firmly rejected by Real Madrid's top management.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has always adhered to the team's salary cap system, with the current maximum annual salary for the first team set at €15 million. This season, to raise Vinicius' salary, the club was willing to increase this ceiling to €20 million, but this still failed to meet the Brazilian's expectations.
Vinicius, however, believes that as a key contributor to the team's results in recent years, he deserves treatment equal to or even higher than that of new signing Mbappé (who joined on a free transfer). The latter enjoys a huge signing bonus and additional earnings due to his free-agent status.
If the extension talks remain deadlocked, Real Madrid do not rule out the possibility of listing Vinicius for sale this summer. Although he has two years left on his contract, the club is worried that if no renewal is reached next year, the player's transfer value will plummet.
Some Real Madrid fans have expressed dissatisfaction with Vinicius' "holding out for a huge salary" on social media and in related surveys, arguing that the team's overall interests should be prioritized, and even selling the player would be acceptable.
Notably, Real Madrid is also considering an "either/or" strategic choice between Vinicius and Rodrygo. Both have underperformed this season, and Mbappé's arrival will further squeeze the wing positions.
If Vinicius is sold, Rodrygo will get more playing time. His contract with the club is one year longer than Vinicius', and he is also regarded as a more "compliant" member of the squad. It is also reported that Real Madrid values Rodrygo at €100 million and is listening to offers.
