‎Is Vinicius Jr Valued Like Mbappe or Messi? Real Madrid Told to Sell Amid Contract Standoff

By: Shawn
‎Real Madrid have been advised to take decisive action and consider selling Vinicius Junior if the Brazilian forward insists on a contract comparable to those held by Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. It has been suggested that Vinicius does not merit such financial terms, with the Spanish giants reminded that no individual player outweighs the stature of the club. Interest from the Saudi Pro League has also intensified, adding further pressure to the situation.
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Real Madrid are urged to sell Vinicius Jr if he demands Mbappe- or Messi-level wages, with Saudi Pro League interest growing as talks stall.
‎Getty (3)
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‎Vinicius is currently tied to a deal at the Santiago Bernabeu that runs until 2027. Despite narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or, no agreement has yet been reached over a contract extension. As a result, Real Madrid may be forced to listen to offers in upcoming transfer windows if progress remains stalled.
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‎At 25 years old, the Brazilian attacker has been strongly linked with a potential move to the Middle East. Reports have suggested that he could follow in the footsteps of former Real Madrid icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema by continuing his career in Saudi Arabia.
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‎Any switch to that region would likely come with highly lucrative financial terms. Real Madrid have been cautioned against attempting to compete with those offers, with the recommendation being to cash in on Vinicius while his market value remains significant. Paying him wages on par with current Galactico Mbappe or Argentine legend Messi is viewed as poor value for the club.
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‎Former Real Madrid striker and club director Predrag Mijatovic has been particularly vocal on the issue. Speaking to Carrusel Deportivo, he made it clear that demands for a contract similar to Mbappe or Messi would signal a lack of desire to renew. He stated that if Vinicius prefers to see out his current deal, that scenario would also be acceptable.
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‎Mijatovic emphasized that Real Madrid must always take priority over any individual, regardless of their status. He stressed that the club will continue to achieve success with or without Vinicius, as Real Madrid’s history is built on sustained winning.
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‎He further underlined that Vinicius is not viewed as essential to the club’s long-term plans. According to Mijatovic, if the player refuses to sign a new deal, Real Madrid should do everything possible to secure a transfer and must not allow a player or their representatives to dictate terms.
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‎Speculation over a Saudi Pro League move could increase in the new year if negotiations in Madrid remain unresolved. Wealthy clubs in Saudi Arabia are expected to lead any pursuit should Vinicius become available.
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‎Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, has previously acknowledged ongoing interest in Vinicius, telling Marca that such a transfer is a matter of timing and negotiation rather than ambition alone.
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‎Mugharbel also highlighted the league’s long-standing approach of attracting foreign talent. He explained that recent changes in squad regulations have allowed for more international players, including additional slots for those under 21, while stressing that the biggest shift has been the rising quality of arrivals in recent seasons.
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‎Vinicius is currently in the Middle East after traveling to Dubai following Real Madrid’s entry into the winter break. His departure from Spain came shortly after he was jeered by sections of the home crowd during a 2-0 win over Sevilla, a match in which he was substituted late on.
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‎This season, the Brazilian has recorded five goals and eight assists across 24 appearances in all competitions. With supporters turning against him at the Bernabeu and Mbappe now established as the focal point in attack, supported by Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, Vinicius is no longer seen as untouchable, further fueling talk of a possible exit.

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