- Vinicius Jr is seeking a pay bump to reflect his status as one of the world’s best
- The Brazilian’s camp have been in talks with Saudi suitors over a potential move
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Vinicius Junior has reportedly rejected an initial contract offer from Real Madrid after opening talks over an extension with the club.
The Brazilian superstar signed his current deal back in 2022, which runs through until 2027 and includes a staggering €1billion (£830m) release clause.
However, Real Madrid are said to be keen to tie the 24-year-old to a new long-term deal, having been linked with a move away last summer.
Negotiations have opened between club and player over a contract renewal, according to The Athletic – but Los Blancos’ first offer has been turned away by the Vinicius Jr camp.
The Brazil international is looking for an increase in pay to accurately reflect his status as one of the best players on the planet.
With a reported current annual salary of around £12.5m net of tax, Vinicius Jr is on a similar wage to teammate Kylian Mbappe, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain last year.
Vinicius Junior has reportedly rejected an initial contract renewal offer from Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr helped Real Madrid reclaim the Champions League title last season at Wembley
Carlo Ancelotti will attempt to fend off interest from Saudi Arabia to keep ahold of Vinicius Jr
However, his future in the Spanish capital is far from certain, with Saudi Pro League suitors reportedly keen on a move.
Saudi representatives are said to have made new contact with the player’s camp in December after holding initial conversations in the summer.
A move to the Middle East could easily see Vinicius Jr made the most expensive player in the world, which may force Real Madrid to loosen the purse strings if they look to keep ahold of him.
Looking to make progress on a new deal, Real Madrid requested to meet with the player’s camp and close family in mid-January to discuss an extension.
The initial proposal from the club, which included a bump in salary, was rejected – but talks are expected to continue.
Vinicius Jr joined Real Madrid back in 2018 for a fee of £37.5m, signing from Brazilian outfit Flamengo after bursting onto the scene in his homeland.
He has since gone on to make 293 appearances for Madrid, scoring 101 goals and making 83 assists.
In that time, he has won two La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and two FIFA Club World Cups with the club, establishing himself as a generational talent.
He secured the FIFA Best men’s player of the year award in 2024 but was overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, missing out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
