Real Madrid give Vinicius clear ultimatum: Renew or be sold by 2026 | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made their stance clear regarding Vinicius Jr.’s future.

According to a report from El Debate, the club has set a firm deadline for the Brazilian star: either renew his contract before June 2026 or be placed on the transfer market. The club will not allow a scenario where Vinicius leaves for free.

Although Vinicius still has two years left on his current deal, negotiations for a contract extension have been going on for months without success. The problem? Money.

Vinicius is asking for a salary that would make him the highest-paid player at Real Madrid, a demand the club sees as unrealistic.

Meeting his terms would break the club’s financial structure, something President Florentino Perez and the board are unwilling to do.

Real Madrid know the tactics

Vinicius’ camp is playing the long game. Their idea is to wait until 2026, when just one year remains on his contract, to increase the pressure on Real Madrid.

Vinicius’ current contract runs until 2027. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

If there is still no renewal by that point, Vinicius would be free to negotiate with other clubs in January 2027, potentially earning a huge signing bonus, whether he stays at Madrid or moves elsewhere.

Real Madrid have seen this type of tactic before and are fully aware of how agents use time as leverage. The club knows the Brazilians have toughened their position and are preparing for a long negotiation.

However, for Madrid, this situation is purely about economics, not sporting performance. They won’t destroy their salary structure for any one player, no matter how important he is on the pitch.

The club’s plan is simple: try to renew Vinicius over the next season. If no agreement is reached by June 2026, Madrid will sell him rather than risk losing him for free.

It is now up to Vinicius to prove his worth and agree to terms that make sense for both sides. The message from Valdebebas is clear: renew or be transferred, there is no third option.