Real Madrid is once again the scene of tension, this time not because of a poor result or a refereeing controversy, but because the spotlight is on Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian, one of the team's pillars, has made a gesture that hasn't gone over well in Santiago Bernabéu offices. Florentino Pérez, the club's president, didn't expect it.
The contract that hasn't arrived
Vinícius is under contract until June 2027, however, for months there has been talk of a possible renewal. The club claims that an agreement was already in place. They almost took it for granted: after the Club World Cup, all that was left was the official announcement, but reality has been different.
The player's camp insists that there is no such agreement, saying there's no rush. They say Vini is happy with his current contract. If Madrid wants to renew him, it will have to put an offer on the table that matches his importance.
Two very different versions
The problem is that the player's version directly clashes with the club's. In Chamartín, they don't understand why he's now distancing himself from what, according to them, was already agreed upon. They feel betrayed, saying that Vinícius is breaking his word.
Florentino, always cautious, hasn't made any public statements. But the discontent in the club is obvious. They don't like that a player who has been so pampered is using the passage of time as a pressure tool.
Strategy or distancing
Is Vini playing his cards to get a better offer? Everything points to yes. He's under contract until 2027, and the less time left, the more leverage he gains in negotiations. He knows it and so does his camp; for now, total calm, no rush.
Madrid doesn't like that. The club wants to make sure its big star stays much longer. Above all, they want to avoid him reaching 2026 with only one year left on his contract, which would open the door to a possible free departure.
The future is hanging in the air
The truth is that Vinícius has always made it clear that he wants to stay. He loves Real Madrid, and he feels important in the project. Elite soccer is a business, and his team is handling it coldly.
The mess is on. There's no breakup, but there is tension, and the club is already wondering if the Brazilian is as committed as he seemed.
Florentino didn't expect it. Although this doesn't mean an immediate goodbye, it has set off the alarm. Vinícius's future at Madrid is no longer as clear as it was a few months ago.