Vinícius Júnior is moving closer to a new Real Madrid contract after a meeting with his representatives changed the direction of negotiations. The progress aligns with his stated desire to remain at Real Madrid, but the renewal is not yet complete. His current agreement still expires June 30, 2027.
Madrid director general José Ángel Sánchez and chief scout Juni Calafat met Wednesday with Vinícius’ agent, Frederico Pena, and adviser Tata Soares at the club’s Valdebebas training complex. The discussion was described as positive, and Madrid presented an improved offer. Both camps reportedly emerged optimistic that the remaining distance can be closed.
The meeting followed Vinícius’ reported rejection of a package worth about $25.4 million (€22 million) per year. He had been seeking approximately $34.6 million (€30 million). The exact value of Madrid’s revised proposal hasn’t been established across the available reporting. One Spanish report places it near $28 million (€24 million) annually, with additional variables.
The disagreement has never been a simple comparison of two base salaries. The negotiations have included fixed pay, performance bonuses, a possible renewal payment and image rights. Vinícius has sought terms closer to the financial tier occupied by Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid, whose overall package includes commercial elements and a signing payment that prevent a direct annual-salary comparison.
José Mourinho’s support has also helped the talks move forward. Madrid’s new coach wants Vinícius to remain central to his attack, and reporting around the meeting describes their relationship as strong. Vinícius is now expected to stay, while a verbal agreement is reported to be in its final stages. Those descriptions point to advanced negotiations, not a completed renewal.
The contract is close, but not complete
Madrid’s risk has been built into the calendar. If Vinícius remains on his existing deal, he can negotiate a pre-contract with a club outside Spain beginning January 1 and leave without a transfer fee after June 30, 2027. Improving the offer gives Madrid a better chance to remove that possibility before the season develops around an unresolved contract.
Arsenal’s interest supplied a credible alternative, but it never became a confirmed transfer. Accounts of direct contact remain inconsistent. Sources close to Vinícius have denied discussions, while other reporting says conversations took place, including one with Mikel Arteta. There is still no verified bid, club-to-club negotiation or agreement on personal terms. Madrid’s progress has made that route less immediate.
Several details still require agreement or public confirmation. The proposed term has been reported as running through 2031, but Madrid hasn’t announced its duration. The final salary, performance variables, renewal payment and division of image rights also remain unsettled in public.
Vinícius began the week having reportedly rejected Madrid’s offer. He is now closer to extending his stay after the club improved it. Until the documents are signed and Real Madrid issues an announcement, the accurate status is a renewal nearing agreement, not a finished deal.
