Real Madrid's star winger Vinicius Junior has raised eyebrows with his latest contract demands, including a request to earn more than incoming superstar Kylian Mbappe, as negotiations with the Spanish giants intensify.
The Brazilian forward, who previously declined a contract extension offer from Madrid in September, has been in talks with the club earlier than expected in 2025. The accelerated negotiations came after Real Madrid learned about Vinicius' meetings with Saudi officials regarding a potential move to the Middle East.
According to Cadena Ser, Vinicius is seeking a salary exceeding Mbappe's current €15 million per year (£12.50m/$15.76m). His representatives argue that his contributions to the team warrant a substantial increase, pushing for annual earnings above €25 million (£21m/$26.26m). This demand comes in response to a staggering offer from Saudi Arabia, reportedly worth €1 billion (£832.2m/$1.05m) over five years.
Real Madrid has shown reluctance to meet these terms, with reports indicating that Vinicius would reject any offer below €20 million (£17m/$21m) annually. While the Saudi proposition includes an attractive financial package and a special ambassadorial role for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, sources suggest that Vinicius' primary concern extends beyond monetary considerations to the competitive level of the Saudi Pro League.
The negotiations present a significant challenge for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, as European football's financial constraints make it difficult to compete with the astronomical figures offered in Saudi Arabia. Despite these challenges, with the 24-year-old expressing a preference to remain in Spain, these demands might serve as an opening position for further negotiations. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, but they undoubtedly represent one of the most complex contract renewals in Real Madrid's recent history.
