Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho played key role in Vinicius’ Real Madrid contract renewal – report
Jose Mourinho played a role behind the scenes in Vinicius Junior’s decision to continue at Real Madrid, with the Brazilian now tied to the club until 2032.
Earlier in the summer, Vinicius finally ended a prolonged contract saga by agreeing to a new long-term deal with Madrid, the club he has always wanted to represent.
While negotiations were complicated by discussions involving his agency, Mourinho made his own contribution to keeping the forward focused on remaining at the Santiago Bernabéu.
What’s the story?
Alberto Pereiro highlighted the manager’s involvement, as relayed by Defensa Central.
“Jose Mourinho played a key role in Vinicius’ contract renewal.
“He took him aside, said a couple of silly things to him, and the player quickly realised he wanted to carry on playing for Real Madrid,” he said.
The journalist mentions that despite the fact that the negotiations dragged on for months, Vinicius never had any doubts about renewing.
“Well, I don’t think he ever had any real doubts about his future, but his agency complicated the negotiations, and Mourinho did his bit to ensure he stayed and to defend him at Cornella over the bullying incident,” said Alberto Pereiro
Mourinho has backed Vinicius
Mourinho’s relationship with Vinicius has also developed through his public support for the player.
The manager defended the Brazilian following the incident at Cornella against Espanyol, reinforcing the sense that Vinicius has the coach’s backing both on and off the pitch.
Vinicius is also aware that Mourinho places considerable importance on the collective rather than individual recognition.
The coach regards Kylian Mbappe as the player closest to winning the Ballon d’Or, while also believing several other members of the squad can enter the conversation.
But individual awards are not Mourinho’s priority.
Mourinho’s message to his players has been consistent: their responsibility is to serve Real Madrid rather than build their own individual profiles.
The manager wants the squad to understand that success will be judged primarily through the team’s performances and results, with personal accolades coming afterwards.
That approach also applies to Vinicius.
The Brazilian feels respected by Mourinho and is pleased with the work being done under the new manager. He believes the direction of the team can have a major influence on Madrid’s success.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
