Tension is in the air at Real Madrid. The situation with Vinícius Júnior, far from calming down, is getting worse, his contract renewal remains blocked, and Florentino Pérez is starting to get tired.
The president doesn't accept pressure or blackmail. The Brazilian's entourage has been leaking demands for months that the club isn't willing to meet.
Vinícius wants to earn more than anyone, even more than Kylian Mbappé. But in the Chamartín offices, that demand has been completely ruled out.
There are no untouchables, not even Vinícius
The model Florentino wants to impose is clear: the crest above any star. This already happened with Cristiano Ronaldo. When he demanded more than Florentino was willing to pay, the response was blunt: "If you want to leave, bring a good offer and go."
With Vinícius, history could repeat itself. If a club shows up willing to pay €200 million, the minimum amount, the door will open.
That amount would be more than double what his ideal replacement would cost. Because the club has already explored the market and has a name on the table.
Nico Williams, the hidden gem who could shake up Barça
Real Madrid has moved quickly. Xabi Alonso recently met with Florentino to analyze alternatives in case Vinícius leaves.
The name that convinces the most is Nico Williams. Youth, dribbling, hunger, and a release clause under €100 million. He's not cheap, but he's not out of reach either.
At Bernabéu, they consider him the most complete winger in the league and, above all, a long-term bet with potential. In addition, the signing would have an added twist that won't please Barcelona at all.
He said "no" to Barça... and could end up in white
A few weeks ago, Nico was offered to Barça by his entourage. Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick were delighted with the idea, but Deco wasn't convinced.
In the end, the player himself decided to renew with Athletic, disappointed by the doubts of the Catalan club and its registration problems. A move that left a mark.
Now, Florentino wants to take advantage of that situation to make a statement. To snatch one of its targets from Barça and, at the same time, cover his back in case Vinícius leaves.
A perfect operation for Florentino
The equation is clear: sell Vinícius for €200 million and sign Nico for less than half. With that move, Madrid would renew its attack without losing imbalance, gain financial margin, and take a dream away from Barça.
Florentino doesn't leave anything to chance. If there's one thing he's proved in recent years, it's that when one door closes, he already has another open.