SHOCK: Real Madrid Considers Selling Vinicius Jr if He Refuses to Lower Salary Demands

The Shocking Turn: From Untouchable Star to Potential Departure

What seemed impossible just months ago has become a shocking reality at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vinicius Jr, once considered the untouchable future of Real Madrid, now finds himself at the center of transfer speculation that has sent shockwaves through the football world. The Brazilian winger, who rose from Flamengo youth ranks to become one of the world's elite players, is reportedly being considered for sale by Real Madrid due to stalled contract negotiations.

The situation represents a dramatic shift in Real Madrid's approach to their star player. After helping the club secure multiple Champions League titles and establishing himself as a Ballon d'Or contender, Vinicius Jr's position at the club has become increasingly uncertain. Reports from Tribuna indicate that Real Madrid are now seriously considering selling the Brazilian if he refuses to lower his salary demands, marking the first time the club has been willing to part ways with their prized asset.

This development has caught football fans worldwide by surprise, especially considering Vinicius Jr's public declarations of loyalty to Real Madrid. The 25-year-old has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain at the Bernabéu and create history with the club, making the current situation all the more dramatic and unexpected for supporters who viewed him as the club's long-term cornerstone.

The Contract Standoff: €30 Million Demand vs Club's Financial Limits

The root of the current crisis lies in a fundamental disagreement over Vinicius Jr's contract renewal terms. According to multiple reports, the Brazilian winger is demanding an annual salary of €30 million after tax, which would make him the highest-paid player in Real Madrid's history. This figure represents a significant increase from his current €15 million annual salary, putting him on par with Kylian Mbappé's earnings at the club.

Real Madrid's hierarchy, led by president Florentino Pérez, has reportedly drawn a clear line regarding salary structure within the squad. The club has made it evident that they are unwilling to pay Vinicius Jr more than Mbappé, who currently serves as their marquee signing and highest earner. This stance reflects Real Madrid's commitment to maintaining financial balance while avoiding the creation of unsustainable wage demands that could disrupt their carefully constructed salary hierarchy.

The negotiation breakdown became apparent when reports emerged that Real Madrid had postponed all contract discussions until the 2025-26 season. Sources close to the club suggest that Vinicius Jr's representatives have been inflexible regarding the salary demands, creating an impasse that has forced Real Madrid to consider previously unthinkable alternatives, including the potential sale of their star player.

Saudi Arabia's Record-Breaking Pursuit: The €350 Million Gambit

Saudi Arabian clubs have emerged as the most serious contenders for Vinicius Jr's signature, with Al-Ahli reportedly leading the charge with an unprecedented €350 million transfer bid. This astronomical figure would shatter the current world transfer record of €222 million set by Neymar's move to PSG, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's determination to secure one of football's biggest stars for their domestic league.

The Saudi Pro League's interest in Vinicius Jr is not new, having previously made approaches worth up to €1 billion over five years. Al-Ahli, which already boasts stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Gabri Veiga, has been identified as the most likely destination should the Brazilian decide to leave Real Madrid. The Saudi club's project represents more than just financial incentives, offering Vinicius Jr a central role in their ambitious plans to elevate Middle Eastern football on the global stage.

What makes this Saudi pursuit particularly significant is the timing and Real Madrid's reported willingness to consider such offers. Unlike previous approaches that were quickly dismissed, current reports suggest that Real Madrid would not rule out accepting a bid exceeding €250 million, especially if contract negotiations continue to stall. This represents a dramatic shift in the club's stance and indicates just how serious the current impasse has become.

Performance Under Scrutiny: The Decline That Changed Everything

Vinicius Jr's performances during the 2024-25 season have come under increased scrutiny, particularly following Real Madrid's disappointing Champions League campaign and Club World Cup showing. Despite recording 22 goals and 19 assists across 58 appearances, the Brazilian's impact in crucial matches has been questioned by critics and club officials alike.

The turning point appeared to come during Real Madrid's Champions League knockout stages, where Vinicius Jr managed just one goal across ties against Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal. His performance in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was particularly criticized, with the winger failing to register a single shot, successful dribble, or key pass during the match. These displays have led to questions about his ability to perform in the biggest moments and whether he justifies the massive salary demands he's making.

New manager Xabi Alonso's arrival has also changed the dynamics around Vinicius Jr's status within the squad. Unlike his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, who heavily protected and favored the Brazilian, Alonso has applied equal standards to all players. Reports suggest that Alonso even considered dropping Vinicius Jr for crucial matches, including the Club World Cup semifinal, only changing his mind due to injury concerns affecting other players. This shift in treatment has highlighted the player's diminishing influence and untouchable status within the squad.

The Mbappé Factor: How the French Star Changed Madrid's Dynamics

Kylian Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid has fundamentally altered the club's attacking dynamics and created unexpected complications for Vinicius Jr's future. The French superstar's presence has not only shifted tactical approaches but also created a new hierarchy within the squad that has affected the Brazilian's prominence and influence at the club.

Reports suggest that Vinicius Jr views Mbappé's arrival as a direct threat to his status as Real Madrid's primary attacking threat. The competition for the left-wing position and central attacking roles has intensified, with both players preferring similar areas of the pitch. This tactical overlap has forced Xabi Alonso to make difficult decisions about team selection and formation, often resulting in one of the star players having to adapt their natural game.

The salary structure implications of Mbappé's presence cannot be understated. Real Madrid's decision to match Vinicius Jr's current salary with Mbappé's package has created a benchmark that the Brazilian now seeks to exceed significantly. The club's reluctance to create a salary hierarchy that places any player substantially above Mbappé reflects their strategic approach to maintaining squad harmony while managing financial sustainability. This situation has essentially created a ceiling for Vinicius Jr's earning potential that conflicts directly with his representatives' demands.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Context: The Bernabéu's Mixed Response

The potential departure of Vinicius Jr has generated polarizing reactions among Real Madrid supporters, reflecting broader cultural tensions and sporting expectations that have surrounded the Brazilian throughout his career. While many fans recognize his contributions to the club's recent successes, others have expressed frustration with his performances in crucial moments and his apparent prioritization of individual financial gains over team loyalty.

Social media reactions from Spanish football communities have been particularly telling, with significant portions of supporters expressing support for the club's hardline stance on salary negotiations. Many fans have pointed to Vinicius Jr's inconsistent performances in big matches as justification for not meeting his salary demands, arguing that true Real Madrid legends earn their status through decisive contributions in the most important games.

However, international supporters, particularly from Brazil and other Latin American countries, have expressed dismay at the possibility of losing one of football's most exciting talents. These fans emphasize Vinicius Jr's role in Real Madrid's recent Champions League successes and his status as one of the world's premier wingers. The cultural divide in fan reactions highlights the complex nature of modern football, where global appeal and local expectations don't always align perfectly.

The Deadline Dilemma: Summer 2025 as the Point of No Return

Real Madrid finds itself in a precarious position as the summer 2025 transfer window approaches, with Vinicius Jr's contract situation requiring urgent resolution. The Brazilian's current deal expires in 2027, meaning that failure to secure a renewal this summer would leave him entering the final two years of his contract, significantly diminishing his transfer value and the club's negotiating position.

The timing pressure works both ways, as Saudi Arabian clubs have reportedly set their sights on completing any potential transfer by the end of the summer window. Al-Ahli's preparation of a €350 million bid represents more than just financial ambition; it's a calculated move designed to test Real Madrid's resolve at a crucial juncture. The Saudi club's patience in waiting for the right moment demonstrates their understanding of the delicate negotiations and their confidence in eventually securing their target.

For Real Madrid, the summer represents a final opportunity to either secure Vinicius Jr's long-term future or cash in on his market value while it remains at its peak. The club's reported willingness to consider offers exceeding €250 million suggests they have already begun preparing for life without their star winger, a scenario that would have been unthinkable just months ago. This summer's decisions will ultimately define both Vinicius Jr's career trajectory and Real Madrid's tactical and financial direction for years to come.