Real Madrid News
Real Madrid megastar prepared to walk away as free agent if renewal agreement is not reached
The Vinicius Jr. renewal saga has been dragging on for so long that the matter has seemingly slipped out of the media’s radar.
There has been an uncomfortable silence from all parties involved in the negotiations, and that indicates that talks have stalled for unclear reasons.
While both parties were keen on extending their relationship with each other, Vinicius’ salary demands were said to be a hurdle for Los Blancos to process the same. Reports then added that the Brazilian was open to taking a salary cut, but matters never progressed.
Vinicius will continue
As relayed by Diario AS in a recent update, Vinicius Jr. has decided to stay at Real Madrid for the 2026-27 season, come what may and will not leave in the summer at any cost.
Irrespective of whether the renewal is reached or not, the player will defend the club’s crest for one more season, and his near-term future is thus assured.
If an agreement is not reached by the time his contract runs out next year, he will leave as a free agent without thinking twice. That is the player’s stance as matters stand.
Negotiations must resume
The report further adds that the Brazilian winger has significantly come down on his wage demands during negotiations with the club and the two parties moved much closer to an agreement when they last talked. Negotiations, however, then hit an abrupt halt.
In that sense, the player now feels strong in the negotiations and knows that the club stand to lose if he leaves, especially given his sporting and marketing value.
As time passes and the 2026-27 season draws to a close, he will have more leverage now that he has decided to stay regardless.
His intention has always been to renew with the club, but for the right figures, and negotiations will resume after the FIFA World Cup. If an agreement is not reached, he will leave as a free agent.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
