Real Madrid are ready to put Vinícius Júnior’s future back on the front burner. After months of silence, and with the 2026 World Cup now behind him, sources indicate the club will restart talks over a new contract for their electric winger.

The key change? Xabi Alonso’s departure as coach earlier this week. Multiple reports from Jan. 16–17 (Korean time) say Alonso’s exit has reshaped the landscape and removed a major roadblock in negotiations. One source told ESPN the chances of a renewal were “non-existent” if Alonso had stayed on the bench.

Vinícius’ current deal runs until June 2027. That sounds far away, but in modern football it isn’t. If there’s no progress by next season, Madrid face a tough choice between selling a star at a discount or risking a last-year standoff.

Alonso out, talks back in: the reset Real Madrid needed

Alonso’s exit, agreed near Jan. 13 after the Supercopa loss to Barcelona, has changed the mood at Valdebebas. Internally, the coach–player dynamic had become a sticking point. Reports describe Alonso as a negative factor in talks due to his tactical calls and a relationship that had grown tense.

The friction did not start in January. It bubbled for months. The October Clásico, which Madrid won 2–1, was a flashpoint when Vinícius reacted to being substituted. Plans for the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG also created frustration when injuries forced changes. Some reports even claim Alonso lamented feeling like a “kindergarten teacher” at times. None of this helps a renewal debate.

“If Alonso was the blocker, there are no excuses now — get Vini signed.”

The money gap: where salary and bonuses still clash

Removing a coaching obstacle does not fix the numbers. Vinícius earns about €17 million net per year today. At meetings last May, Madrid’s offer climbed to roughly €20m net, with performance bonuses on top. The player’s side, however, has pushed for a structure that could reach around €30m in total, including an extra €10m in bonuses, per reports.

Club sources see the difference as substantial. The market matters here. Saudi sides have floated huge packages for top European forwards. Madrid prefer to reward a homegrown success story who arrived as a teenager and grew into a Champions League-caliber star, but they will keep their wage bill disciplined. Expect talk of bonuses tied to goals, assists, trophies and minutes, which would protect the club and still pay Vinícius like a leader if he hits elite marks.

Form, minutes and friction under Alonso

Under Alonso, Vinícius played 33 matches but completed only nine. He was also substituted early four times when starting. Across this season, he’s registered six goals and eight assists in about 28–29 appearances. In La Liga, he sits on five goals from 19 games. Those are decent numbers, yet the eye test and the minutes told another story: the star did not always feel trusted.

When stars feel squeezed, deals get harder. The October Clásico protest was seen worldwide. Even as tension rose, Vinícius still produced. He scored Madrid’s solo goal in the Spanish Supercopa final defeat to Barcelona. Days later, the Copa del Rey shock at Albacete (a 3–2 loss) underlined how wobbly the season had become. By the time Alonso left after 34 games in charge, the cycle felt broken.

“Less drama, more football: Vini needs a coach who lets him fly.”

Arbeloa’s message: trust, clarity and a clean slate

Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, a club man through and through, has wasted no time praising Vinícius and welcoming his desire to play. That’s not a small signal. Players listen. Agents listen. After a bumpy stretch, a public vote of confidence lowers the temperature and sets a positive tone for negotiation rooms.

At 25–26, Vinícius is entering his peak years. Madrid know their timeline. If Arbeloa can steady the dressing room and unlock the attack, it strengthens the case for both sides to meet in the middle. A calmer environment makes it easier to talk numbers.

“Pay the man, but build the bonuses — that’s how you win and keep standards high.”

Why Madrid are moving now: 2027 isn’t far away

Contract talks paused after May 2025, with the player’s camp expecting to revisit matters after the 2026 World Cup. That check-point has passed, Alonso is gone, and Madrid are acting. Waiting much longer compresses options. With a 2027 end date, this summer is the sweet spot to renew on club terms. Miss it, and leverage shifts toward the player, or the market, or both.

The club does not plan to let a top asset walk for free. If a new deal proves impossible, a sale in 2026–27 would be logical. Saudi interest, and potentially Premier League suitors, would test Madrid’s resolve. But renewal is Plan A. It protects value, rewards performance, and avoids another long soap opera in a summer packed with squad decisions.

What a deal could look like

• A base salary near the club’s top tier (around €20m net).
• Bonuses for goals, assists, minutes, and trophies that can take the total toward the player’s target.
• Clear tactical commitments under the new coach to keep Vinícius central to the attack.

It’s simple in theory, hard in practice. But with the Alonso hurdle gone and Arbeloa extending an open hand, both sides have a pathway. The next few weeks will show if desire turns into signatures.

Bottom line

Real Madrid plan to restart talks with Vinícius because the coach-player tension that once blocked progress has ended. The wage gap is real, but not impossible. The club’s offer stands at €20m net plus bonuses; the player’s camp seeks a package that can reach about €30m. His contract runs until June 2027, leaving Madrid time — but not too much.

Now comes the hard part: finding the number and the message that keeps a franchise star in white for his peak years. With the slate wiped clean on the touchline, Madrid have their best chance yet to get it done.