Vinicius Junior Wants to Be Europe’s Highest-Paid Player — Why Real Madrid Will Sell Him – Football Blog

Vinicius Junior has been a Real Madrid player for almost seven and a half seasons but his time at the Bernabeu could be coming towards its end.

The 25-year-old has won 14 team trophies with Real Madrid, including two Champions League titles and a trio of La Liga crowns. Vinicius also came second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or vote, although he was only 16th in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings.

To date, Vinicius has scored 111 goals for Real Madrid, as well as providing more than 70 assists. So why would Real Madrid even think about selling him?

Why Real Madrid will sell Vinicius Junior

The biggest factor behind Vinicius Junior’s uncertain future is his relationship with manager Xabi Alonso. The two have not seen eye to eye this season, and their differences became painfully public during El Clasico when Vinicius reacted angrily to being substituted. Cameras caught the Brazilian shouting in frustration, appearing to say that it might be “better if I leave” before heading towards the tunnel. Although he later returned to the bench and issued an apology, the outburst reflected deeper tension rather than a momentary flash of temper.

Alonso has demanded more positional discipline from his wingers and has occasionally rotated Vinicius out of his preferred left-sided role. Vinicius, meanwhile, is said to believe he deserves greater freedom and status within the team after years of service and success.

Vinicius has also faced external criticism over his attitude in recent months. Former Spain international Dani Guiza said of Vinicius that he “would kick him out of Real Madrid”. Guiza added: “I still don’t understand why Rodrygo isn’t a starter for Real Madrid, when Rodrygo is the best player Real Madrid has. There are people who play to cause problems. I don’t understand it. Those people tarnish the Real Madrid crest.”

The relationship between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius Junior is reportedly rocky (Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images)

Vinicius Junior’s contract situation

The above issues, combined with a contract dispute that refuses to go away, have left Real Madrid in a difficult position. Vinicius’s current deal runs until 2027 and he wants his next contract, wherever that may be, to reflect his value among football’s elite. Specifically, he is reportedly demanding a salary that matches that of teammate Kylian Mbappe, who became Europe’s highest-paid player when he joined Madrid in the summer of 2024.

Club president Florentino Perez has so far refused to break the club’s carefully managed wage structure. Paying Vinicius at the same level as Mbappe could unbalance the dressing room and set a precedent for future negotiations with other stars like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.

From the club’s perspective, there is also the question of timing. If Madrid sense that the relationship is beyond repair and that a renewal is impossible, they would rather sell him next summer while his value remains high than risk losing him for less later. Reports suggest that Real would be willing to negotiate if an offer in the region of €150 million arrives.

Highest-paid footballers in Europe 2025

Estimated weekly on-field earnings (salary plus club bonuses) for the 2025/26 season, expressed in euros.

Where will Vinicius Junior move when he leaves Real Madrid?

If Vinicius does leave, Manchester City are widely viewed as the most logical destination. Pep Guardiola is known to admire the Brazilian’s pace, aggression, and ability to change a game single-handedly. City have the financial strength to meet both the asking price and the player’s wage demands, and the idea of pairing Vinicius with record-breaker Erling Haaland in attack is one that would likely excite the club’s hierarchy.

Saudi Arabia also remains a possibility. Saudi clubs have courted Vinicius before, reportedly offering him the chance to become the highest-paid footballer in history. While those figures were unconfirmed, the sums involved would easily eclipse what he could earn anywhere in Europe.