Vinícius's future is once again in question. The club insists that his contract renewal is a priority. However, internally, they don't rule out a departure if the Brazilian continues to reject the terms of the new contract.
His relationship with some of the key figures in the locker room has cooled, and his connection with Mbappé is practically nonexistent.
In this context, Florentino Pérez has taken action. He doesn't want the club to find itself in an urgent situation again if the '7' decides to force his exit.
That's why he has already decided who will be his replacement. It's neither Haaland, nor Vlahovic, nor Budimir, nor any traditional center forward. It's a different profile.
Mbappé doesn't want direct competition
For months, Erling Haaland's name had been mentioned as a possible star signing. The Norwegian is admired for his power and goal-scoring ability.
But there's a problem: Mbappé doesn't want him by his side. He believes they're not compatible on the field. Both need to be the offensive reference, and their styles don't fit together.
The Frenchman has made it clear that as long as he's at Real Madrid, there's no place for Haaland. It's not a formal veto, but it is a red line that Florentino respects.
He knows that Mbappé is now the core of the project and doesn't want to create an ego conflict that could affect the locker room's balance.
Nico Williams, Florentino's chosen one
The alternative has come from Mbappé himself. Nico Williams is the profile that best fits what Madrid needs if Vinícius leaves. He's an explosive, vertical winger with dribbling skills and a goal-scoring touch.
The Frenchman sees him as the best possible complement, and Florentino agrees. He's a player used to successfully performing the role that belongs to Vinícius.
The club president was impressed by his performance at the Euro Cup and his growth at Athletic. He knows it's not a cheap operation, but he considers it more accessible than Haaland and much more functional in the team's current setup.
The club is already working with figures. Nico's release clause is 95 million. Although he just renewed, they don't rule out a move if Vinícius's situation isn't solved.
There's room for maneuver and time to act. Now it's Vinícius who must make a move.
Nico wants to grow and improve. He tried to go to Barça to win titles in blue and garnet that are impossible for Athletic. The transfer couldn't be completed due to the Catalan club's financial fair play issues.
The player's desire to succeed remains, which is why his new clause with Athletic hasn't skyrocketed. If Barça isn't possible, Real Madrid is even a better option for him.
A silent change is coming
Florentino doesn't want to repeat the mistake of losing a star without having a replacement ready. If Vinícius decides not to renew, the transition will be quick.
Mbappé would inherit the absolute leadership of the attack, and Nico would arrive as his right-hand man. It's a subtle but very significant change.
Madrid has already decided. There won't be another star center forward. Vinícius's replacement will be a player with a similar profile.
That player is Nico Williams.