Manchester City are interested in signing Vinicius Jr, who was once among the top favourites to win the Ballon d’Or, with Pep Guardiola said to be personally driving the move.
According to reports from Defensa Central relayed by GOAL, the City manager has requested the signing of the Brazilian forward as he looks to strengthen his side amid an inconsistent start to the season.
Despite being handed over €450 million in transfer funds in the past 12 months, Guardiola’s team currently sit six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after ten matches.
For a club accustomed to dominance, the gap has prompted fresh urgency in the transfer market.
The Manchester City boss, who has only once broken the British transfer record during his tenure, may need to do so again if he truly wants to lure Vinicius Jr to the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s side endured a disappointing 2024/25 campaign by their high standards — finishing third in the league, suffering an early Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham, falling to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs, and losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
Determined to avoid a repeat, Guardiola has looked for ways to reignite his side’s spark. So far this season, progress has been steady but not spectacular.
City have reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and sit fourth in their Champions League group, yet in the league they continue to chase an Arsenal team that has looked formidable.
Reports suggest Guardiola has demanded the signing of Vinicius Jr to inject new creativity and pace into his attacking unit.
Bringing in the Brazilian would not only strengthen City’s already fearsome forward line — which includes Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku — but would also send a message across Europe about City’s ambitions.
For Guardiola, Vinicius represents a player capable of changing games single-handedly. His explosive dribbling, direct running, and ability to create goals out of nothing make him one of the most dangerous wide players in world football.
Despite a slight dip in form compared to his 2023/24 campaign, when he finished runner-up to Rodri in the Ballon d’Or voting, Vinicius’s talent remains unquestioned.
The Brazilian has already proven his worth on the biggest stages. His goals in the 2022 and 2024 Champions League finals helped Real Madrid secure their 14th and 15th European crowns, further solidifying his reputation as a big-game performer.
Real Madrid reluctant to sell Vinicius, but contract clock ticking
While Real Madrid are understood to be unwilling to part ways with one of their brightest stars, circumstances could soon force their hand.
Vinicius’s current contract runs until the summer of 2027, but if negotiations over an extension do not progress before the 2026 World Cup, Madrid could face a dilemma.
Allowing a player of his calibre to run down his deal and potentially leave on a free transfer would be a major setback — even for a club of Real’s stature. The Spanish giants are aware that keeping Vinicius happy will be key to avoiding such an outcome.
However, tensions have reportedly surfaced in recent weeks. During El Clásico, Vinicius was visibly upset after being substituted by manager Xabi Alonso.
Cameras captured him gesturing angrily toward the touchline before storming toward the dressing room. Later, DAZN quoted the forward saying, “I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave.”
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Although the club has played down the incident, such comments have inevitably fuelled speculation about his future.
Guardiola and Manchester City are interested in signing Vinicius Jr and are closely monitoring developments. Should the opportunity arise, they are expected to move swiftly.
Landing Vinicius Jr would likely require City to break another transfer record, potentially surpassing the £125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak in the summer. Yet, with Guardiola reportedly insistent on the signing, the club’s hierarchy could be persuaded that the investment is worthwhile.
A front three of Haaland, Vinicius, and Doku would arguably rank among the most explosive in European football. For Premier League fans, the prospect of seeing Vinicius’s flair and pace week after week would be electrifying.
