Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr set for huge Real Madrid promotion under Jose Mourinho next season
Vinicius Jr.’s importance at Real Madrid continues to grow both on and off the pitch.
Already one of the club’s biggest stars, the Brazilian is now expected to take on an even greater leadership role ahead in the 2026/27 season.
According to Jose Felix Diaz in AS, Vinicius is set to become Real Madrid’s second captain for the upcoming campaign, ranking only behind Federico Valverde in the club’s new leadership structure.
The development comes at a time when optimism is also increasing over the forward’s long-term future, with fresh contract talks scheduled before pre-season begins.
Contract talks reinforce Vinicius’ status
The Brazilian’s captaincy promotion arrives alongside encouraging progress in negotiations over a new contract.
As reported before, following Brazil’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup, representatives of both Vinicius and Real Madrid agreed to hold another meeting during the final days of July to finalise an extension.
Rather than beginning difficult negotiations, the upcoming discussions are expected to focus on resolving the remaining details of an agreement that both parties already want.
Throughout the process, Vinicius has made it clear that he sees his future in Madrid and club officials have responded with the same commitment, creating growing confidence that one of the team’s most influential players will stay.
Leadership role shows Vinicius’ evolution
Becoming one of Real Madrid’s captains represents another milestone in Vinicius’ journey since arriving from Flamengo as an 18-year-old prospect.
His early years in Spain were marked by intense scrutiny as he adapted to European football, but the winger gradually transformed into one of the club’s defining figures and an increasingly influential presence within the dressing room.
With experienced figures such as Dani Carvajal and David Alaba no longer part of the squad, Real Madrid have naturally looked towards a new generation of leaders.
And in that regard, alongside Federico Valverde, Vinicius now appears ready to become one of the principal voices guiding Mourinho’s team through a new chapter.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho’s two options to start as Valverde’s midfield partners for Real Madrid vs Inter Milan
Real Madrid’s defeat against Real Betis will undoubtedly affect the internal dressing room atmosphere at the club, for it not only marked their first defeat of the season but also their first loss after Jose Mourinho’s return.
There is, however, not much time to lose as Los Blancos have another tricky game coming at them hard and fast.
Midweek, they play host to Inter Milan in the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League, pitting them against one of the strongest teams in the world.
The break in momentum is undoubtedly a worry for Mourinho ahead of the clash, but there is a bigger crisis he faces in midfield which can directly influence the result of the game.
Two unlikely candidates to start
Heading into the game against the Serie A giants, Federico Valverde is the only guaranteed starter in the double pivot for Real Madrid.
Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler are all out through suspension while Aurelien Tchouameni is out injured and will not feature.
The situation calls for a creative solution, and Defensa Central confirm that Jose Mourinho does have surprises up his sleeve.
Two unlikely candidates are currently in a battle to start alongside Valverde – Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jorge Cestero.
As matters stand, those at the club believe they are the two best players to fill into the defensive midfield role on the night. They will, however, continue to monitor training before reaching a final decision.
Other options on the horizon
The Spanish outlet further confirms that the coaching staff are keeping an open mind in terms of handling the situation and will monitor other possible options this week in training.
Brahim Diaz, and even Jude Bellingham could emerge as an option to start for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, and the manager must pick the right candidate given the level of the opposition.
New Real Madrid Castilla signing Sergio Martinez is also an option to feature and fill the pivot void on the night.
He has already made his debut with the subsidiary team and is an option for Mourinho, although a relatively less-likely one.
