La Liga icon tears into Vinicius and his Real Madrid renewal: ‘Nobody wants a player like him’ | OneFootball

Vinicius Jr. finally has his long-term future at Real Madrid sorted, having ended months of uncertainty by signing a new contract until 2032 earlier this month.

Yet, the renewal has done little to silence one of his fiercest critics.

Former Spain and Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has launched a remarkable attack on Vinicius, questioning not only his value to Real Madrid but also whether other top clubs would even want to sign a player with his profile.

Canizares’ comments come after a summer in which Vinicius’ future became a genuine talking point. 

Ending months of uncertainty

Notably, negotiations over a new deal had dragged on for more than a year, with the player’s salary and signing bonus demands proving to be major obstacles.

The situation appeared to become even more complicated when Arsenal entered the picture as the Brazilian approached the final year of his existing contract. 

Canizares has criticised Vinicius Jr.’s contract renewal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

That interest, however, was followed by a breakthrough in talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid.

The club improved its proposal without fully agreeing to the player’s original demands, and the two sides eventually reached an agreement on a new deal until 2032.

But while Real Madrid can now consider the story closed, Canizares has offered a different view of what the renewal says about Vinicius and his standing in the game.

Canizares makes extraordinary Vinicius claim

Despite the renewal being wrapped up more than 20 days ago, Canizares did not hold back when asked about the renewal.

The former goalkeeper argued that Real Madrid’s decision should not necessarily be seen as proof that other elite clubs were desperate to sign Vinicius. 

Vinicius now has an improved deal until 2032. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

In his view, the club were left with little choice because of the player’s contract situation.

“There’s been a debate this summer, right? Because he has one year left on his contract, you either sell him or you don’t; you have to consider what he’s worth in terms of footballing ability,” he said in COPE.

“Nobody wants a player like that in their club.

“Since Real Madrid has been in need and obligated to renew his contract, because surely no other team has even contacted him or his agent, because nobody wants a player with these characteristics, in my opinion. 

“Well, maybe a smaller team like Newcastle could have him,” he concluded.