Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. have used the past 24 hours to work past their differences, for they have been at odds for a long time now over the player’s contract renewal.
At a time when his departure to Arsenal seemed likely, Los Blancos began a fresh round of negotiations with the player last night as their last-ditch attempt to secure his future.
As part of the latest negotiations, they reportedly even improved their offer contrary to the news going around in recent weeks. Now, the player is said to be closer to staying than leaving with massive progress being made last night.
As reported by UOL Esporte in Brazil, the real reason behind Real Madrid’s sudden urgency to seal the Vinicius saga was that they were aware of how serious Arsenal are about signing the player.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
Arteta and Co. are serious about signing Vinicius. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The London-based club, after all, tabled a close-to-irresistible offer to the Brazilian winger including a salary of €24 million net annually. In addition, they were prepared to give away 100% of his image rights to the player himself in what would have been a significant economic boost.
That prompted Real Madrid to up their game and offer, for it became clear that the player leaving was suddenly a real possibility. Given how the winger is almost synonymous with the club, a departure in his prime would be a massive blow.
With Real Madrid’s offer having improved and Vinicius opening up to the possibility of staying, the pressure has suddenly been taken off the administration’s shoulders. There is, however, a lot left to complete.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid and Brazil player
An agreement is expected soon. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Given how Vinicius’ renewal has already dragged on for too long, it will be on the club’s mind to close the operation and make it official at the earliest. After all, he is already on the final year of his contract.
The BBC report that Los Blancos expect Vinicius’ response in a matter of hours, not days, and that the player is close to finalising his stance. Rapid movements are expected over the next 24 hours, possibly even an official announcement.
Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
If there is anything one must expect from Jose Mourinho’s project at Real Madrid, it is an airtight defence with an unstoppable counter-attacking system.
The manager has already secured the defensive recruitments he requires for his new project, and the attacking pieces were already in order with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. at the club.
Yan Diomande’s arrival only elevates the status of the attack, but it is not difficult to see why Vinicius Jr’s contract renewal standoff and talks of a potential departure would have worried Mourinho.
After all, the player exemplifies what the manager asks of his forwards and would be one of the team’s biggest assets.
Last night, Vinicius and Real Madrid sat across the table to have one final shot at agreeing on a renewal, and the club presented a raised offer which has seemingly impressed the player.
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho is ‘pushing’ for Vinicius’ renewal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano now, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho also had a big role to play in the saga as he was personally pushing for the player to stay throughout the negotiations.
The coach reportedly conveyed to both the club and the player himself that he would be central to the team’s plans next season, leaving no doubt in the minds of both parties that an agreement must be reached at any cost.
While the negotiations between both parties lasted long, they ended with positive feelings on either side about working together.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Edging closer to staying. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
As relayed last night, the Brazilian star’s entourage are now growing increasingly confident that an agreement can be reached that suits all parties involved.
The player has already returned to training under Jose Mourinho and is working hard to come back stronger in the season ahead. With Real Madrid showing that they value him with an improved offer, meaningful progress has been made and it is only a matter of time before the deal is finalised.
Alongside Yan Diomande and Mbappe, Vinicius is thus set to be part of one of football’s most daunting attacking trios next season. He will look to improve his output compared to last season when his goal contribution was not quite up to the mark.