Real Madrid hopes Vinicius will stay, but the player expects his salary to be on par with Mbappe’s

According to AS, Real Madrid will face the issue of renewing Vinícius Jr.'s contract next summer. Although the Brazilian forward's contract doesn't expire until 2027, it will enter the final two years next summer.



In 2024, Vinícius reached the peak of his career, winning the FIFA Best Player award. As a result, he expects his salary at Real Madrid to be on par with Kylian Mbappé's. His last contract renewal was on October 31, 2023, marking his first renewal since joining Real Madrid. After the renewal, his release clause soared to €1 billion. However, before this renewal, his salary was the second-lowest in the team, at just €1.5 million net, as stipulated in the contract he signed in 2018 when he joined. Although his salary was raised when he renewed until 2027, it still doesn't reach the top salary level in the team. Players like Toni Kroos and David Alaba earn over €10 million annually, while Mbappé’s salary far exceeds that amount.



In the upcoming renewal negotiations, Vinícius holds a strong bargaining chip: This summer, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad made an offer with the highest salary in football history, but Real Madrid rejected their approach. This season, Vinícius' performances have demonstrated that his value may even surpass that of Mbappé. As his contract enters the final two years next summer, Real Madrid will work to renew the deal for this key strategic player, and Vinícius' team is eagerly awaiting the club's actions.



During the last renewal, Vinícius' agent, Pedro Peña, was more inclined toward a short-term contract, which is why the deal only extended until 2027. In contrast, players like Rodrygo and Éder Militão signed contracts until 2028. This strategy seems to have worked for Vinícius, as he now expects his salary to match Mbappé’s, given his exceptional performances on the field.
In mid-August, the Saudi side made an offer for Vinícius, expressing interest in bringing him in. Considering the substantial offer, Vinícius at least wanted to know the details of the contract.
However, Real Madrid refused to negotiate and pointed to his €1 billion release clause. The Saudi club plans to continue their pursuit next summer and has conveyed their intention for a long-term partnership, even offering him a chance to become the ambassador for the 2034 World Cup.



Rumors suggest that Al-Ittihad offered a five-year contract worth over €1 billion, including salary and bonuses, though this remains unconfirmed. Al-Ittihad already has Brazilian players Roberto Firmino and Ibanez, as well as Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez and Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who have all played in top European leagues.



Real Madrid, on the other hand, wants Vinícius to stay, and the club has never considered selling him. They believe that alongside Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, Vinícius will help the team make history. Vinícius is also very happy at Real Madrid and is eager to create his own era. However, all signs indicate that to keep the Brazilian forward, Real Madrid will need to make new efforts next summer.



So far this season, Vinícius has made 21 appearances for Real Madrid, starting 19 of them, contributing 14 goals and 8 assists. His market value is currently €200 million according to Transfermarkt.