Real Madrid is making moves again, not just with top-tier signings. Florentino Pérez has sent a clear message to the entire locker room, but especially to Vinícius Júnior: the project is more secure than ever. Gonzalo García's contract renewal makes that very clear.
Gonzalo, a gem from the youth academy, has been a protagonist in the recent Club World Cup. He scored four goals, provided one assist, and showed that he's not just another prospect: he's the present.
Strategic renewal
Although his current contract ends in 2027, Madrid has already gotten to work to tie him down for the long term. The new agreement would link him to the club until 2031. Not only that: his release clause will rise considerably, surpassing the current €50 million, to ward off any club that comes with intentions.
If that weren't enough, his salary will also take a leap: he'll earn €3 million gross, the same as players like Nacho or Ceballos when they joined the first team.
Vinícius and the project for the future
What does Vinícius have to do with all this? A lot. Because renewing emerging figures like Gonzalo is a way to show Vini that the club is still committed to a competitive squad. That there's a future, that it's not all about Mbappé or Vinícius, but also about homegrown talent.
Florentino knows it. Every important renewal, every safeguard, is a way to tell his Brazilian star: there's not only a present here, there's a plan to dominate the next decade.
Desired by all, but with a clear mind
Gonzalo hasn't gone unnoticed. Celta, Getafe, Osasuna, and foreign clubs knocked on his door. But he was clear from the start: he wanted to stay at the club of his life.
He even traveled to the tour in the United States certain that he wouldn't return to Castilla. The jump to the first team is a fact, and Xabi Alonso has already reserved minutes for him.
Compared to Raúl… by someone who knows
Xabi didn't hold back praise after a friendly against Salzburg:
"He reminds me of Raúl. Always well positioned, works like few others. We need more from him and we're going to help him grow."
If anyone knows Gonzalo well, it's Raúl, who's followed him closely at Castilla, has trained him, has watched him grow. After his debut in the Club World Cup, he didn't hesitate to send him a congratulatory message. No wonder: his goal-scoring instinct, his character, and his humility are reminiscent of the eternal "7".
Madrid builds from within
With this renewal, Real Madrid not only secures a forward with both present and future. It also makes clear that homegrown talent remains a priority. Meanwhile, it reinforces its message to key players like Vinícius: here, they're building to win… and to stay.