There could be major changes on the horizon for Real Madrid in the summer of 2026, one of which could include the potential exit of Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian international has rekindled his form after a slow start to the season but his salary demands mean Real Madrid might not be able to reach an agreement over a new deal.
This could put Vinicius Jr.’s long-term future in jeopardy, with the forward already being linked with a move for a host of top clubs across Europe, while Saudi Arabia is keeping close tabs as well.
Guardiola wants to sign Vinicius
According to Defensa Central, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola is the manager who is desperate to sign the Brazilian forward for next season.
Even Manchester City’s resounding 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, in which Erling Haaland scored his 18th goal of the season, has reportedly not satisfied Guardiola.
Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid player
Will Vinicius move to the Premier League next summer? (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
In fact, the Catalan manager is said to be looking to further bolster his attack and is considering an ambitious move for Vinicius.
The club could be looking to exploit the Brazilian’s complex situation at the Santiago Bernabeu. While his contract runs until 2027, the recent tension surrounding his outburst at Xabi Alonso during El Clasico, and his subsequent apology, has created a narrative of unrest.
Anti-Madrid media have singled out the player as a “new problem,” a situation that rivals are monitoring.
Manchester City, along with interest from Saudi Arabia, could present a “very tempting offer” to the Brazilian.
Real Madrid would be losing one of their most important players of the last five years – a key figure who scored in both the 2022 and 2024 Champions League finals. But with Mbappe now taking the helm, the tradeoff may pay off.