Vinicius Junior’s future has quickly become one of Real Madrid’s top concerns, as the Spanish giants have yet to reach a contract extension with the Brazilian forward. Amid growing uncertainty, reports now suggest that if Vinicius leaves, Real Madrid already have a marquee replacement in mind: a world-class star.
With his current deal running through 2027, Madrid began renewal talks with Vinicius early in 2025, with the player expressing a desire to spend the prime of his career in the Spanish capital. However, record-setting offers from Saudi Arabia have disrupted negotiations, as the forward’s salary expectations have increased, stalling the talks.
According to Josep Pedrerol of El Chiringuito, the dispute is strictly financial. Vinicius is said to want a package that would reflect what he could earn in Saudi Arabia, even exceeding the salary of teammate Kylian Mbappe. But club president Florentino Perez has been unwilling to shatter the team’s wage structure, leaving negotiations at a standstill until the player returns from vacation.
Erling Haaland: Real Madrid’s dream replacement
Cadena SER reported Sunday that should Real Madrid decide to sell Vinicius, their top replacement target would be Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has long been on Florentino Perez’s radar, and a transfer would be far more feasible if Madrid cash in on Vinicius.
Although no formal offer has been submitted by Saudi Arabia, the report claims representatives have contacted Vinicius’ camp, floating an astronomical €1 billion per season salary for the player and a €350 million transfer fee to Madrid. According to SER, that kind of money “could open the door to Florentino Perez’s dream: pairing Mbappé with Haaland.”
Haaland recently signed a long-term deal with City that runs through 2034. But AS reported in January that the striker retains an exit clause that would allow him to leave midway through the contract for a significant transfer fee, keeping Madrid’s hopes alive.
With a current market value of €180 million on Transfermarkt, Haaland remains one of the most coveted players in global soccer. Still, with only two seasons remaining on Vinicius’ deal and no breakthrough in sight, Real Madrid may soon be forced to decide: lock down their star forward, or pivot toward one of the biggest names in the game.
