Real Madrid reportedly looking to avoid conflict with Mbappe, Bellingham amid Vinicius contract talks
Vinicius Jr.’s contract situation has sparked concern within Real Madrid, as negotiations over an extension appear to have hit a standstill. With the team still on summer break, a new challenge has emerged: avoiding internal tensions with fellow stars Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham during discussions over the Brazilian winger’s future.
Talks over a new deal for Vinicius have been ongoing since early 2025. The situation gained urgency after a record-breaking offer from Saudi Arabia was made last season, though that threat is now off the table. Still, Spanish radio outlet COPE reported on Sunday that “there is no renewal agreement between Vinicius and Real Madrid.”
Although his current contract runs through 2027, the club is under pressure to secure his long-term future—without unsettling the delicate wage structure that keeps the squad’s hierarchy intact.
Madrid hesitant to break wage structure for Vinicius
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are reluctant to exceed their internal salary cap in Vinicius’ case. While the 24-year-old currently earns a reported €15 million net per season, any increase beyond that could disrupt the balance—especially with Mbappe and Bellingham watching closely.
If Vinicius were to receive his rumored salary demand of around €20 million net per year, he would surpass Mbappe’s current wages. That could open the door for both the Frenchman and Bellingham to seek raises of their own, complicating squad management and club finances.
From Vinicius’ perspective, the numbers tell a different story. While Mbappe’s reported salary is also €15 million net, his signing bonus—believed to be between €100 and €150 million—could be interpreted as hidden wages, when spread across the five-year deal he signed. That discrepancy hasn’t gone unnoticed in the Brazilian’s camp.
Vinicius addressed the situation publicly back in February during an interview with TNT Sports, confirming that negotiations had begun. “I hope the talks will be resolved in the coming days. It’s very exciting to be able to start discussions with Real Madrid about my renewal,” he said.
“I’m under contract until 2027, but I’ve always said I want to play here for a long time, to make history and feel the love from the fans, the president, and the coaching staff. God willing, the negotiations will be resolved soon and I’ll be here for many more years,” he added.
For now, though, the extension remains up in the air. With another year before he enters the final 12 months of his deal, resolving the matter will be one of Madrid’s key off-field priorities heading into the 2025–26 season.