In recent days, the apparent calm at Real Madrid hides a growing tension. The smiles at presentations and the preseason images can't cover up the internal unrest that can be felt in the offices at Bernabéu. The reason has a name: Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian, who has been one of Florentino Pérez's biggest bets for years, has made another move. He has done so at a particularly delicate moment, right after the club's failure at the Club World Cup. The timing is no coincidence.
The response Florentino didn't expect
A few days ago, a message came from Vinícius's camp: there's an offer on the table of €350 million from Saudi soccer. The figure is staggering (€350 million), and it has been leaked with a very clear intention: to put pressure on the club.
Vinícius wants to know if, in this new era, he's still untouchable. This time, Florentino's response has been very different.
Instead of publicly shielding him as in previous occasions, the president has chosen silence. That, at Real Madrid, says it all.
It brings to mind the standoffs caused by Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. Both ended up leaving the club.
Florentino won't stop him
The difference from other summers is huge. If in the past any hint about Vinícius's departure was met with statements and denials, now Florentino won't lift a finger if the player decides to leave.
There's no official offer at Bernabéu. There are only leaks from the player's camp, who wants to gauge the level of institutional support he still has.
But the president is clear: if Vinícius comes with €350 million, he can leave. He won't be declared non-transferable this time.
A standoff that goes way back
This isn't the first time Vinícius and Florentino have faced off in a chess match. A year ago, there were already clashes over his contract renewal and his role in the squad. Then came the episodes of racism in LaLiga, the documentary that exposed Spain, and a growing sense that the Brazilian feels more like a star than part of the club.
With Mbappé's arrival, the hierarchy has changed. Vinícius knows it. That's why he's reactivated Arab interest, as a pressure tactic.
This time, he's come up against a colder, more calculating Florentino, who's willing to let him go... if the price is right.
The ball is in Vinícius's court
For now, everything is indirect moves. There are no documents on the table or formal calls.
But the underlying message is clear: if Vinícius wants to leave, he can do so. There won't be any pleas or protections.
Florentino is ready to cash in. The era of the untouchables is over.
As for Vinícius, whose contract ends in 2027, there's fear that he'll end up seeing it out without renewing. Then, he could leave without leaving a single euro in the club's coffers.