Overview

• Contract extension talks collapsed on July 26 after Vinícius Jr. demanded in excess of €25 million per year to equal Mbappé’s pay.
• Real Madrid’s leadership argued that granting parity would unsettle the club’s existing wage hierarchy among its star players.
• Saudi Pro League clubs have reportedly assembled a €1 billion package to lure Vinícius away from the Spanish capital.
• Under his current deal through 2027, Vinícius holds a €1 billion release clause and Madrid had been seeking to extend his contract to 2030.
• A trophyless 2024/25 season has heightened the urgency for both player and club to resolve his future at the Bernabéu.