Alarms are ringing around Real Madrid as Vinícius Júnior remains firm in his contract extension demands. The Brazilian forward has requested not only a significant salary increase but also a renewal bonus that would jeopardize the club's financial structure.

The 25-year-old, whose contract runs until 2027, wants to become the highest-paid player on the team—surpassing even Kylian Mbappé, who arrived on a free transfer but received a hefty signing bonus. This situation has raised concerns within the club’s management at Valdebebas, who are now exploring alternatives.

One of the options gaining traction is the potential sale of Vinícius, mainly due to the risk of other key players demanding similar treatment. In this scenario, Rodrygo Goes, previously seen as a candidate to leave, could end up staying.

Rodrygo, the unexpected winner

According to Sport, the stalled talks with Vinícius have led Madrid to seriously consider selling him—an outcome that could halt Rodrygo’s departure, who is currently valued at €100 million. Although the young attacker has seen limited playing time under new manager Xabi Alonso—just 92 minutes in six matches—he has made it clear he wants to stay at the Bernabéu.

Meanwhile, Vinícius Jr. continues to make headlines off the pitch. This week, he was honored at the Rio de Janeiro Sambadrome, where the Madame Tussauds museum unveiled a life-sized wax figure of him, recognizing both his impact on and off the field, including his stand against racism. However, not everything was positive: his recent two-day birthday party in Brazil drew criticism from the club’s hierarchy, who viewed the celebration as ill-timed given the delicate state of his renewal.

With rising financial demands, off-field controversies, and mounting internal pressure, Vinícius Júnior’s future at Real Madrid is more uncertain than ever. Could this summer mark the end of his time in the Spanish capital?