As Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid continue their impressive push for silverware this season, the club’s hierarchy is already planning for what could be another defining summer at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite the team’s strong performances, uncertainty surrounds the future of one of their biggest stars — Vinícius Júnior — with reports suggesting the Brazilian’s renewal talks have hit a major stumbling block.
According to SPORT, the winger’s ongoing disagreement with coach Alonso has not deterred the club from wanting to extend his stay.
However, negotiations have become increasingly complicated, largely due to Vinícius’ firm stance on salary demands. The 24-year-old forward reportedly wants to be paid on par with teammate Kylian Mbappé, who is currently among the highest earners at the club.
Real Madrid, though, appear unwilling to meet those demands. The Spanish giants are believed to have offered a salary package worth around €20 million annually, which could rise to €25 million through performance-related bonuses.
Despite this generous offer, Vinícius is holding out for more — a reflection of his self-belief and the leverage he has regained through a recent upturn in form.
Vinícius endured a frustrating start to the season under Alonso’s new system, but his resurgence in recent weeks has reminded many of his match-winning qualities.
Still, the player is reportedly not ruling out the possibility of a summer exit, especially as tensions with Alonso continue to simmer behind the scenes. The manager, known for his tactical discipline and high expectations, is said to have had a series of disagreements with the Brazilian over attitude and positioning on the pitch.
For their part, Real Madrid are no longer opposed to exploring the option of selling Vinícius should a suitable offer arrive. The club’s leadership is mindful of avoiding dressing-room unrest and are already considering high-profile replacements — with one name standing head and shoulders above the rest.
Erling Haaland tops Madrid’s wishlist
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could replace Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid are expected to turn their attention to him if the Brazilian departs the club. Haaland has long been viewed as the club’s ideal attacking addition.
The Norwegian goal machine has continued to dominate headlines in England with his extraordinary scoring consistency, and Madrid believe he could be the perfect long-term successor to Karim Benzema’s legacy at the Bernabéu.
Reports suggest that Haaland remains at the top of Real Madrid’s wish list despite signing a new long-term contract with Manchester City that runs until 2034.
While prising him away from Pep Guardiola’s side will be anything but easy, there are reasons for quiet optimism in Madrid.
The Spanish champions enjoy a strong working relationship with Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, who has maintained an open line of communication with club officials and, according to sources, has “not closed the door” on a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Moreover, Haaland himself has never completely dismissed the idea of wearing the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.
The striker’s admiration for Madrid’s history and global stature has also been well-documented, and although he remains happy at City, the allure of La Liga’s biggest stage could one day prove irresistible.
The logistics of such a deal, however, would be complex. Haaland’s contract at Manchester City reportedly includes performance-related clauses and potential release conditions that could make negotiations intricate.
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Madrid would likely need to commit to a record-breaking financial package — something Florentino Pérez’s administration is said to be cautiously considering.
Still, with the club’s commercial strength and global reach, Erling Haaland could replace Vinicius Jr, and only a few would doubt that Madrid have both the ambition and financial capacity to make it happen if they choose to.
In addition to the financial challenges, there is also the competitive factor to consider. Guardiola remains determined to keep Haaland central to his long-term project at the Etihad Stadium. But as history has often shown, when Real Madrid set their sights on a superstar, persistence and prestige usually play in their favour.
