Manchester City monitoring situation of €150 million Real Madrid star ‘from a distance’ – Transfer expected in 2026 | OneFootball

Officials from Manchester City are reportedly ‘observing from a distance’ the situation concerning Real Madrid and star Brazilian international forward, Vinicius Junior.

The 25-year-old has been a pivotal figure for Los Blancos during his time with the club, contributing both goals and assists, as well as overall standout performances across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in particular.

However, recent tensions in the Real Madrid dressing room have sparked speculation over his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the club undergoing a new era under head coach Xabi Alonso.

With Vinícius’ contract renewal talks reportedly stalling, and a growing rift between the forward and the club’s new head coach lured from Bayer Leverkusen, new reports have pointed towards a new stance taken on by Real Madrid over the star winger’s future.

According to the information of Sky’s Sacha Tavolieri, Real Madrid have set a starting price for Vinícius Júnior at €150 million following a complete breakdown of contract extension talks between all parties.

It is further explained that tension between the Brazilian and head coach Xabi Alonso is so high that one source close to the Real Madrid dressing room said it is “very difficult to imagine Vinícius still at Madrid next season.”

From the side of Real Madrid, the club are now reportedly open to a sale as early as summer 2026 and the most likely scenario is a ‘government offer’ from Saudi Arabia, where Vinicius would then choose his preferred club within the Saudi Pro League.

However, while remaining aware of the ‘enormous budget’ such a move could entail, the report claims that some Premier League clubs – including Manchester City – are ‘observing from a distance’ albeit unwilling to get involved at present.

Looking forward, City’s cautious approach seems motivated by financial prudence and existing squad depth in attacking positions, particularly with Jeremy Doku now shining on the left side of attack and plenty more to come from the likes of Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki.

While Vinícius Junior would perhaps represent a marquee signing for those at the Etihad Stadium, the timing of any move would need to align with strategic squad planning for the 2026/27 season.

For now, the Premier League giants are seemingly content to monitor developments, keeping tabs on the Brazilian forward’s contract situation and current form, while the ongoing situation also raises the prospect of other top European clubs entering a race.