Vinicius Junior’s future at Real Madrid has come into question following reports suggesting his ongoing contract negotiations with the Spanish club have stalled.
After a stellar 2023-24 campaign that saw him finish second in the Ballon d’Or standings, the Brazilian was forced to adapt last year as Real welcomed the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
Vinicius ultimately ended the season with 11 league goals from 24 starts as Carlo Ancelotti was unable to leverage his latest blockbuster arrival into yet more domestic glory.
Xabi Alonso arrived at the Bernabeu this summer to replace the Italian, and reports suggest the former Liverpool midfielder has been unimpressed with Vinicius’ performances in recent weeks.
On Wednesday the club were dumped out of the Club World Cup at the semi-final stage following a 4-0 defeat to PSG, with Alonso venting his frustrations regarding his team’s performance following the game.
This discontent could be set to have wider ramifications with regards to Vinicius’ future in the Spanish capital.
Contract negotiations between Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior have reportedly stalled
The Brazilian came under fire after Los Blancos were dumped out of the Club World Cup
Vinicius has long been a target for the Saudi Pro League and reports claim he met with league vice president Saad Al Lazeez over a potential move in 2023
According to a report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, planned contract talks between the two parties have stalled in recent weeks.
Reports claim that a contract was drawn up several months ago with plans for it to be finalised ahead of the coming campaign.
However, Real are yet to make contact regarding the proposed deal, with Vinicius similarly said to be in no rush to move talks along.
Throughout his glittering spell in Madrid the 25-year-old has been consistently linked with becoming the latest high-profile star to join the Saudi Pro League.
Vinicius is said to have met with officials from the league, namely vice president Saad Al Lazeez, in Prague in 2023 as they attempted to sell him on the move.
Talks between the two parties have reportedly continued ever since, with the gulf state prepared to offer him a five-year deal worth £830million to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The deal would also reportedly see the forward serve as an ambassador for the World Cup in 2034 in the country.
