VINICIUS JR will not sign a new contract at Real Madrid while his rift with Xabi Alonso persists, according to reports.
The Brazilian’s deal is set to expire in the summer of 2025.
Vinicius Jr, 23, is said to have a “strained” relationship with his manager.
And according to The Athletic, this has caused contract talks to stall.
Alonso, 43, planned to bench the winger for the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain in July.
An injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold prompted a rethink, with Vinicius Jr starting on the right wing that night.
LAST GIFT
Chelsea legend leaves six-figure sum in will to wife & gives kids winners’ medals
MARSEILLE VS NEWCASTLE
Betting preview, predictions and odds for Champions League tie
It is claimed that the decision frustrated the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up.
Vinicius Jr is said to earn £15.8million per year after tax at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He was reportedly offered an increase to £17.5m during the second half of last season, only to ask for around £26m per year – a similar figure to what Cristiano Ronaldo was on in the Spanish capital.
Vinicius Jr has featured in every match in LaLiga and the Champions League this term, and was even made captain for the trip to Kairat Almaty in September.
But he has only played the full 90 minutes five times in all competitions.
The two-time Champions League winner caused controversy earlier this season with his response to being substituted against Barcelona.
Coming off with his side leading 2-1, Vinicius Jr fumed: “Always me, I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving.”
Following his side’s victory, the wide man released a statement to apologise.
But he did not mention his manager throughout the apology.
Alonso, 43, subsequently sought to play down the episode.
The former Liverpool star said: “For me, it was a very valuable, very positive statement, in which Vinicius showed honesty.
“For me, what matters is what he said to his team-mates, the club, the fans. For me, the matter is closed.”
Vinicius Jr has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ahli have been earmarked as his potential destination should a Saudi switch come to fruition.
Real Madrid drew 2-2 at Elche last weekend.
Alonso’s men had trailed late on, only for Jude Bellingham to pop up with a valuable leveller.
NO WEIGH
McDonald’s twice a day saw me reach 25st… I’ve lost 12st & now exes want me back
WASHOUT
I’m A Celeb in chaos as stars are EVACUATED from camp and filming delayed
Real Madrid are one point clear of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.
On Wednesday night they travel to Olympiacos in the Champions League, before a trip to Girona on Sunday evening.
Read the full article here