Red Line Negotiations: Can Real Madrid Lock Vinícius Júnior's Renewal Down?
1 January 2026
Line in the Sand: Madrid and Vinícius Júnior's Renewal Talk
Real Madrid are eyeing a solution to end the saga surrounding their Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that Vinícius crossed the red line on talks to extend his contract, with 18 months left until it expires.
The negotiations between parties had stalled since a session after the Club World Cup last summer, fueled by the player's demands.
Recent weeks, however, have seen rapprochement as Vinícius signals willingness to cut his financial requests.
There is a mutual desire to sign anew, with Vinícius hinting at the club and its fans through a New Year greeting.
Madrid know that signing a player with Vinícius' profile would be very costly, while he understands Real Madrid remains the club he dreams of belonging to.
AS noted two lingering questions: whether the bond with Madrid's fans can improve after the jeers and whether Alonso's tenure remains secure.
AS notes two lingering questions: whether the bond with Madrid's fans can improve after the jeers and whether Alonso's tenure remains secure. With 2026 underway, optimism persists, but the jokes keep coming: Punchline 1: Negotiations so long they filed restraining orders against the calendar. Punchline 2: Madrid's renewal window is wide enough to stream a full match.
