Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward unlikely to leave this summer despite ongoing contract standoff
Despite the growing uncertainty surrounding Vinicius Jr. and his contract situation, the possibility of Real Madrid selling the Brazilian superstar anytime soon still appears remote.
Fresh reports Ramon Alvarez de Mon suggest that although negotiations over a renewal are not progressing smoothly, those close to the situation believe a transfer in 2026 remains highly unlikely.
The main reasons are both financial and sporting, as Real Madrid would struggle not only to negotiate a deal of such enormous value but also to find a player capable of replacing Vinicius’ impact on the pitch.
An important player for Real Madrid
The Brazilian forward has become one of the most decisive players in world football over the past few seasons.
Hence, losing a player of that stature would create a massive gap in the squad, especially considering how difficult top attacking players are to find in the current market.
However, the contract issue continues to pose a big problem for the club.
The biggest concern for Real Madrid is that if Vinicius enters January 2027 without signing a new deal, he would officially move into the final six months of his contract.
At that point, FIFA regulations would allow him to negotiate freely with any other club without Madrid having control over the situation.
That situation would represent a scenario Real Madrid have rarely experienced with a player of such importance and global value.
The idea of one of the club’s biggest stars potentially walking away for free is viewed as an extremely dangerous situation.
So what now?
Even so, people close to the player insist that Vinicius still wants to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for the long term.
His commitment to the club has not changed, and there is currently no indication from his side that he is actively seeking an exit.
The only problem remains the overall economic package required to complete a renewal.
Any club interested in signing Vinicius would need to pay not only a gigantic transfer fee but also meet enormous salary demands.
That financial reality alone makes a transfer incredibly difficult to execute, even for Europe’s wealthiest sides.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
