Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has moved to end speculation over Vinicius Junior’s future, confirming that both he and the 25-year-old want the Brazilian to remain at the club.
“Vini is one of the best players in the world and he is delighted to be a Madrid player,” Perez told reporters. “He was decisive in winning the last two European Cups and he has one year left on his contract. There is still time, but I tell you Vinicius wants to stay at Madrid and I want him to stay.”
Integral to Madrid’s recent success
Vinicius Junior has established himself as an indispensable figure in the current Real Madrid side, having played a pivotal role in the club’s two Champions League triumphs between 2021 and 2024. His contributions have been decisive in cementing Madrid’s status as Europe’s dominant force during that period.
Despite the team’s struggles this season — the first time since the 2020-21 campaign that Real Madrid have finished without major silverware — Vinicius has maintained his individual output. He registered 21 goals and 11 assists in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, underlining his importance even as the collective fell short.
The Brazilian’s current contract runs until June 2027, but negotiations over an extension have reportedly stalled in recent months. Sources close to the situation indicate that Vinicius is not in a hurry to commit to a new deal, with both his performance at the upcoming World Cup and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe expected to influence the terms. Perez has previously stated he would “love for him to stay here for the rest of his career” and would not force the player to remain against his will. Mbappe’s presence at the club has shifted salary benchmarks, meaning any new contract for Vinicius is likely to reflect the wage structure of the top earners.
Perez dismissed any suggestion of incompatibility between Vinicius and Mbappe as “nonsense”, describing both as the two best players in the world.
Squad overhaul on the horizon
Real Madrid’s trophyless campaign has fuelled expectations of a major squad rebuild, with much of the focus falling on the defence. Veteran right-back Dani Carvajal is set to leave at the end of the season after 13 years at the club, with his next destination still undecided — Saudi Arabia, MLS and Serie A have all been mentioned. Centre-back David Alaba will also depart as a free agent when his contract expires, having made 130 appearances since joining in 2021; persistent knee injuries have contributed to the decision not to extend his deal.
Left-backs Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy are also the subject of rumours. Incoming manager Jose Mourinho — whose appointment is contingent on Perez winning this Sunday’s presidential election — is reportedly planning to offload both full-backs. Mendy, who cost €48 million when he joined in 2019, is understood to be available for between €10 million and €15 million, while Garcia’s future is uncertain despite having a contract until 2027.
On the recruitment side, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is said to be close to joining on a free transfer after agreeing a verbal four-year deal, though the move is pending the outcome of the presidential election. Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries has reportedly undergone medical tests in the Netherlands after Real Madrid activated his €20 million release clause; he is expected to sign a contract until June 2030 and is viewed as a direct replacement for Carvajal.
Further midfield reinforcements are also being explored following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in successive seasons, with Manchester City’s Rodri among those rumoured to be a target, the player himself having hinted at a possible return to Spain. The outcome of Sunday’s presidential election is likely to determine not only Mourinho’s return — he has reportedly agreed a three-year deal — but also the official confirmation of several transfer deals, as the club looks to reshape its squad for the next cycle.
