The Vinicius Junior contract saga could soon reach a decisive stage. With the Brazilian winger set to return to Real Madrid’s training camp in just two days, respected Spanish journalist Tomás Roncero has reignited the debate surrounding one of the club’s biggest unresolved issues.
Nearly nine months have passed since the last official meeting between Real Madrid and Vinicius’ representatives, yet negotiations over a new contract remain at a standstill. According to Roncero, who spoke on El Larguero, the main obstacle has never changed: salary.
Real Madrid reportedly remains firm on one crucial point. While the club wants Vinicius to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu for many years, it has no intention of offering him the same financial package as Kylian Mbappé, who is now considered the club’s highest-paid and most important player.
“Vinicius wanted to earn as much as Mbappé, and Real Madrid told him that it wasn’t possible,” Roncero revealed during the radio program.
The veteran AS journalist believes that a compromise is still within reach. In his opinion, if Vinicius agrees to earn between €5 million and €7 million less per season than Mbappé, both parties should be able to finalize an agreement without major difficulties.
For Roncero, the hierarchy inside the dressing room is clear.
“The flagship player of Real Madrid is Mbappé,” he said. “He proved it once again during the Club World Cup. Vinicius has to understand that he cannot earn the same salary.”
His comments reflect what many believe is Real Madrid’s current position. Although Vinicius has been one of the club’s key players over the last several seasons, Mbappé’s arrival has changed the financial and sporting structure of the squad. Club executives reportedly see the French superstar as the face of the project moving forward.
Roncero also suggested that Real Madrid’s imminent move for highly rated winger Yan Diomandé may not be a coincidence. According to him, the Spanish giants are already preparing for every possible outcome should negotiations with Vinicius eventually collapse.
While Diomandé is viewed as one of the brightest young talents in world football, his potential arrival could also provide Real Madrid with additional leverage during contract talks.
The Spanish journalist went even further by delivering a direct message to the Brazilian international.
“Real Madrid is paradise,” Roncero said. “It makes no sense to leave simply to earn more money somewhere else. If you leave Real Madrid, you’ll realize in a few years that it was a mistake. If you leave for five million euros more, it will mean that you were badly advised.”
His comments underline the belief among many Madrid supporters that wearing the famous white shirt offers opportunities that go beyond financial rewards.
🚨🗣️ Tomás Roncero on Vinícius Jr.'s contract renewal:
— Born Madridista (@bornmadridista0) July 27, 2026
💬 “It's true that Vinícius was decisive in Real Madrid's 14th and 15th Champions League titles, but he has to understand the hierarchy inside the club, just like in any company.”
👑 “Right now, Kylian Mbappé is clearly the… pic.twitter.com/QRVGEiAlbg
Inside the club, however, patience is beginning to wear thin. Real Madrid’s board is determined to avoid another long-running contract saga. With Vinicius entering the final year of his current deal, the club wants clarity as soon as possible.
A contract extension remains Real Madrid’s preferred solution, but club officials have made it clear that they will not compromise their wage structure to secure an agreement. If common ground cannot be found in the coming weeks, difficult decisions may eventually have to be made.
As Vinicius prepares to return to Valdebebas, all eyes will now be on the next round of negotiations, which could define not only his future but also the next chapter of Real Madrid’s long-term project.
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