Real Madrid could make a sensational attempt to sign Erling Braut Haaland if they are pushed into a corner and sell Vinicius Junior. The uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian superstar’s new contract with the club continues unabated.
Earlier in the week, several articles claimed that Vinicius was finally close to a new deal with Real Madrid after months of negotiations, which should theoretically end speculation about a record-breaking move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
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Demands an unimaginable 30 million euros!
However, according to The Athletic, the player’s closest circle has “vehemently rejected” these claims, and Rea Madridl has reportedly not presented a new offer after hearing Vini’s wage demands. It is believed that Real have offered Vinicius a contract that will bring his salary closer to the top-paid Kylian Mbappé between €15-20 million, but the 24-year-old has reportedly demanded a whopping €30 million – which would make him the highest-paid player at Real Madrid ever.
The Saudi Arabian club of choice has reportedly offered Real Madrid 300 million euros for Vinicius Junior and a salary that matches Cristiano Ronaldo. Vinicius Junior is tempted by a billion euros over the next five years, but then he will never win the Ballon d’Or.
Real opens for sale – Haaland becomes plan B
The uncertainty has increased the tension surrounding Vinicius’ future at Madrid, and although the player himself is calm (his contract runs until 2027), Real are aware that they will lose negotiating power the longer the process lasts.
As The Transfers Podcast revealed last month, Real are now open to Vinicius leaving the club – and president Florentino Pérez’s first choice as a replacement is said to be Erling Haaland, despite the Norwegian recently extending his Manchester City contract until 2034. In addition, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are a problem with regard to roles on the pitch, a problem that the French superstars do not want to have alongside Erling Braut Haaland. According to pundits, the two will complement each other.
Mbappé and Vinicius – a positional problem
The tension in Madrid has caused problems both on and off the pitch, with Real crashing out of the Champions League and sitting four points behind Barcelona in La Liga. This has led to manager Carlo Ancelotti almost certainly leaving the club this summer.
Real are now faced with the harsh reality that they may be forced to sacrifice one of their most important players – either Mbappé or Vinicius – especially as both prefer to play on the left rather than as a central striker.
Endrick’s dissatisfaction can affect strategy
Pérez’s interest in Haaland makes extra sense after the slow start to Endrick’s career in Madrid. The 18-year-old has only started one league game this season, and according to Relevo, he is already considering a transfer to secure a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad next year.
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What now?
Will Vinicius stay, or will wage demands force Real to sell? And if they go for Haaland – can they really lure him away from City so soon after the contract extension? With Mbappé already in place, this will be a complex transfer saga that could shape Real Madrid’s attack for years to come.
