Real Madrid’s superstar Vinicius Junior has been the subject of intense transfer speculation for much of the year, but in recent months it has seemed as if the matter has been resolved. However, the player’s team has leaked that this is not the case.
The Brazilian left winger’s whole life fell apart when he “only” finished second in the last Ballon d’Or award behind Lionel Messi.
Vinicius was courted by Saudi Arabia last summer, where the Middle Eastern superpower made its interest known. There was talk of a contract worth 1 billion euros spread over five years for Vinicius, as well as rumours of a bid of 300-400 million euros to Real Madrid. The Brazilian player also reportedly met with Saudi representatives to discuss a deal.
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However, doubts about the length of the deal seemed to push Vinicius towards a new contract with Real Madrid, and reports surfaced of an agreement. But Vinicius’ team now claims that this is not true. – Since then, several confirmations have emerged that the negotiations have come to a complete halt. Something that has annoyed Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez even further.
Marca states that Vinicius initially demanded €30 million per season, while Real Madrid do not want to pay him more than €20 million annually – an increase of €3 million from his current deal.
The latest reports out from the Spanish capital are, “let’s take the money and spend it on a star that doesn’t already annoy Florentino Pérez.
Despite the huge sums that were allegedly offered to Vinicius, the same sources claim that no formal offer has been put on the table. Although there have been discussions, the player’s team wants a formal offer to have a negotiation card during the discussions.
The situation is not helped by the fact that Vinicius’ performances, although that applies to most Real Madrid players at the moment, have been on the decline this season. A disappointing performance in El Clásico crowned a season in which Kylian Mbappé has arguably been Real Madrid’s most decisive player.
Real Madrid can now really clear space for Erling Braut Haaland, who has been absolutely clear that he does not want to play second fiddle for anyone. That became clear when Manchester City sold World Cup winner Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid last summer. (he has again ended up in the shadow of a Norwegian striker, this time Alexander Sørloth)
Erling Braut Haaland has recently looked towards Barcelona rather than Real Madrid, the Norwegian striker sees himself as a natural heir to the perpetual machine Robert Lewandowski.
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Fichajes writes that the Norwegian remains an obsession for Florentino Pérez
In the midst of a more turbulent end to the season than expected, Real Madrid have once again turned their attention to one of the board’s big wishes: Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker, who is currently at Manchester City, is back on the White club’s radar, and this time the club is considering a clear path to secure his signature after Vinicius Junior is cleared: selling Rodrygo Goes.
Rodrygo’s situation creates opportunity
Brazilian Rodrygo’s situation has taken an unexpected turn. His refusal to play in El Clásico, combined with growing dissatisfaction with his secondary role in an attacking line dominated by Vinicius, Mbappé and Bellingham, has set alarm bells going off in the dressing room. His inner circle is seriously considering a departure, and clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in England are monitoring the situation closely. City are also interested and could be the perfect destination to facilitate a Haaland transfer.
Sale of Rodrygo could finance Haaland
A sale of Rodrygo could generate around 100-120 million euros for Real Madrid, a sum that would allow the club to handle such an expensive operation as Haaland’s signing with greater certainty. The Norwegian has a transfer fee of over 170 million euros and an annual salary of around 30 million euros.
Although Haaland recently extended his contract with City, his agent has suggested that his future is not entirely clear. In Valdebebas, they are aware that the signing is still challenging, but if the doors open with Rodrygo’s departure (and even if negotiations with Vinicius do not progress), Real Madrid will not hesitate to make a bold move.
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Putting Haaland and Mbappé in the same starting eleven is a temptation Florentino Pérez doesn’t want to miss.
