“For sure…” – Fabrizio Romano responds to major Liverpool and Arsenal transfer story
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Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior remain at an impasse over contract renewal talks, with negotiations stalled since late 2024. The primary issue centers on the player's salary demands, which have shifted, causing talks to break down. Vinicius, with two years left on his current deal running until June 2027, reportedly seeks to match the salary of Kylian Mbappé, something Real Madrid is unwilling to concede. The club aims to keep his salary below €20 million per year, but his agent has proposed around €30 million annually including bonuses.
Despite the stalled contract talks, Vinicius appears eager to stay at Real Madrid, but insists on his key condition regarding salary before renewing. Meanwhile, his role under coach Xabi Alonso has slightly diminished, with the player having been dropped from the starting lineup on some occasions. His performance remains strong, with two league goals and an assist early in the current season, building on 22 goals and 19 assists last season.
The uncertainty has fueled speculation about Vinicius's future, with the cash-rich Saudi Pro League showing intense interest. Reports indicate that Saudi clubs have made an extraordinary offer, including a staggering €250 million transfer fee and a contract proposal potentially worth €1 billion over five years, with annual earnings around €200 million. The Saudi league has pursued him persistently for over a year, viewing his transfer as a marquee signing capable of breaking world transfer records.
Real Madrid have indicated they will only entertain offers meeting Vinicius’s €1 billion release clause, and if no contract renewal occurs, they may allow him to leave for free when his deal expires. The situation remains closely watched as the upcoming months are critical: the club wants to avoid entering his contract's last 12 months without resolution, while interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, as well as potential suitors like PSG and Manchester City in 2026, continues to grow.
Negotiations have also involved meetings between Real Madrid executives and Vinicius's representatives, but no progress on extending his contract has been reported, with the situation described as “blocked.” This standstill leaves Vinicius at the center of one of football's most significant transfer sagas, combining contract disputes, record-breaking potential moves, and strategic sporting decisions at Real Madrid.
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