Vinicius Jr.'s future at Real Madrid looks to be in major doubt after a public falling-out with Xabi Alonso earlier this season, with the Brazilian linked with a move to Saudi Arabia alongside Mohamed Salah
James Findlater Content Editor
17:04, 24 Jan 2026
Alvaro Arbeloa celebrates with Vinicius Jr after his goal for Real Madrid against Monaco
Alvaro Arbeloa has made his feelings clear amid ongoing speculation on Vinicius Jr's future(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa hopes Vinicius Jr. will sign a new contract at Real Madrid after the Brazilian’s public fallout with Xabi Alonso.
Vinicius infamously reacted angrily to being substituted by the former Liverpool midfielder during a game against Barcelona in October, and allegedly claimed that he needed to leave the club. The forward would go on to issue a public apology for his behavior, although he notably left Alonso out of it.
Subsequent reports went on to suggest that Vinicius had told Real he wouldn’t sign a new contract while Alonso was in charge. His current deal expires next year, with speculation growing over a move to Saudi Arabia.
READ MORE: Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa 'tells Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave club this summer'READ MORE: Liverpool agreement already reached as Trent Alexander-Arnold 'told to find new club'
According to The Telegraph, Vinicius and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah are set to be the Saudi Pro League’s prime transfer targets in the summer.
Of course, with Alonso having been fired earlier this month, it does open up the possibility of Vinicius signing a new deal at the Bernabeu again, with new head coach Arbeloa making his feelings clear this week.
"I don't think it's up to me; it's up to Vinicius and the club,” Arbeloa said.
“My job is to get the best out of the players, and my wish is that Vinicius continues making history at Real Madrid.”
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Whether Arbeloa remains in charge beyond this season does seem to be up in the air though, which may have an effect on Vinicius’ future. Reports have claimed that former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a candidate to take over should Real choose to change managers again in the summer.
Despite that uncertainty, there are suggestions in Spain that Arbeloa is already having a big say on Real’s squad, and in particular Trent Alexander-Arnold.
According to El Nacional, the Reds’ former right-back has been told to find a new club in the summer, less than a year after making the move to the Bernabeu from Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold during Real Madrid's game against Girona
Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been told to find a new club in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
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It’s said that Arbeloa has already told the 27-year-old that he will not get any game time under his leadership, with Real choosing to cut their losses and sell Alexander-Arnold in the summer.
It has been a frustrating start to life in Spain for the England international. Injuries have limited his game time since he made the switch, with Alexander-Arnold having made just 11 appearances this season.
The report also suggests that he has struggled to settle in at Madrid, despite having his close friend Jude Bellingham alongside him, with a return to Liverpool already being touted, although his reception during his return back in November might make that trickier.