Real Madrid wish to avoid salary war with key forward amid stagnating renewal talks | OneFootball

Vinicius Jr. has been at Real Madrid for seven years now and has grown into one of the biggest names in the world of football.

The Brazilian international has been integral to the success that Los Blancos have achieved in recent years and has seen his stock go through the roof.

However, his form did decline in the previous season, coinciding with him getting snubbed for the 2024 Ballon d’Or in favour of Rodri.

Renewal talks on hold

As has already been reported, Real Madrid and Vinicius have been in talks over a contract renewal, with his current deal set to run out in 2027.

However, the negotiations have hit a standstill in recent weeks owing to the difference between the player’s demands and the club’s limits.

Now, according to AS, Real Madrid are eager to avoid any sort of salary war with Vinicius. At the same time, though, Los Blancos do not wish to break the wage structure in place at the club.

Vinicius’ last signed a new contract in 2022 which is worth €150 million over five seasons, averaging €15 million net per year until 2027, with a progressive structure (earning less in the early years and more in the later ones).

Renewal talks are on pause. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old attacker wants to continue making history at Real Madrid but also seeks a salary that reflects his achievements and stature.

There is interest from Saudi Arabia, but any offer from there has been set aside, precisely because Vinicius has not entertained it.

Real Madrid, however, face a dilemma: the salary competition created by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, and the position of Jude Bellingham, who is also making his presence felt. These are the variables in the equation.

Real Madrid do not want to break their wage structure for Vinicius. The Merengues are trying to avoid a situation that might create conflicts in the dressing room.

If they agree to Vinicius’s request for more than €15 million net per year, the Brazilian would be earning more than Mbappe. That would make the Frenchman (and potentially Bellingham as well) the next to make demands.

But from Vinicius’ side, the calculations are different – the substantial signing bonus Mbappe received when he joined, which can be seen as hidden salary if divided across the five-year contract he signed.

The situation, at the moment, is at an impasse but hope remains that both parties can work out a compromise as they are keen on continuing the partnership.