Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior has informed Real Madrid he has no intention of extending his contract while his strained relationship with coach Xabi Alonso persists, according to club insiders, stalling negotiations and raising questions about the future of one of the team’s prized assets.
The 25-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2027, met with president Florentino Pérez last month to discuss his future, making clear that the ongoing tensions with Alonso — who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in May — make commitment unfeasible at this stage.
Sources close to the player told The Athletic that Vinicius feels Alonso is “not being fair” with him, citing benchings and tactical decisions that have sidelined him in key matches, including a recent Clásico win over Barcelona where he was substituted early and omitted the coach from his post-game apology.
“It’s super difficult,” one club source said, describing the situation as a “debate at the club” that has grown over the first three months of the season. “Tensions between Vini Jr and Xabi Alonso have only grown… and it’s become a debate at the club.”
Vinicius rejected an initial offer of €20 million net per year, with insiders insisting his stance is not a negotiating ploy but a genuine reflection of unease. “He made it known that he feels extending is not the best option for him due to his relationship with Alonso,” another source revealed. “There has been no change in that position since.”
Alonso, speaking after a recent draw with Elche, downplayed rotation concerns: “Vinicius understands the demands of the schedule. We’re building something special.”
The rift, which escalated after a 4-0 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup semifinals where Vinicius was benched, has reportedly left five players — including Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo — dissatisfied with Alonso’s methods. Pérez is said to be monitoring the situation closely, with hopes that improved results will mend fences, but Vinicius’s position puts Madrid in a bind: sell next summer or risk losing him for free in 2027.
