Vinicius Junior was booed by Real Madrid fans on Sunday.placeholder image
Vinicius Junior was booed by Real Madrid fans on Sunday. | Getty Images
Xabi Alonso has spoken out about the Real Madrid star after he was booed by fans at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
Arsenal and Chelsea target Vinicius Junior was jeered by Real Madrid fans on Sunday afternoon as speculation over his future at the Bernabeu continues.
The 25-year-old has been linked with the London clubs, as well as Premier League rivals, with his current contract in Madrid set to expire in 2027. So far, there has been no progress over a renewal, which has sparked transfer rumours.
The forward’s unhappiness in the Spanish capital is thought to be a result of not seeing eye to eye with head coach Xabi Alonso. The Athletic had reported that Vini Jr had told the club he would not sign a new contract with the former midfielder in charge.
Vinicius Junior jeered by Real Madrid fans
The Brazil international has just five La Liga goals to his name this term and has not scored in the division since the start of October. That, combined with the contract stand-off, has angered the Real Madrid fans.
Vini Jr played 73 minutes in the 5-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday but, with no goal or assist to his name, was booed and jeered when taken off in the 77th minute. Speaking after the match, when asked about the boos, Alonso said: “We’re all mature, Vini is mature, and what we want is to show our highest level. He was, is, and will be very important for Real Madrid, and the fans will applaud him again, and give him ovations, I have no doubts.”
Xabi Alonso addresses Arsenal and Chelsea target’s future
Alonso was also quizzed about the player’s future and said: “Vini was excellent today, he really was. He started very strong, created differences, he got the right-back booked and taken off, he created chances. He is very important for us, and he’ll be very important in the next games.”
The latest from SPORT ahead of the weekend claimed that Arsenal and Manchester City remain the most realistic destinations for Vini Jr but a January move will be tricky given the financials involved. It had been widely reported that the Galacticos would demand €150 million for the player - but a loan-to-buy move could be more viable.
Meanwhile, TBR Football claim that Chelsea remain ‘huge admirers’ of the forward and it’s added that a move to London would appeal to the striker.
Vini Jr is a product of the Flamengo youth academy and made the move to Real Madrid in July 2018. Since then, he has won three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups.
In other news, Arsenal make £52m offer to sign Real Madrid star who has been offered huge salary by Saudi Pro League.
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