The Brazilian is pushing for a new contract worth €20 million a year and control over lucrative sponsorship deals, while Real Madrid simultaneously builds the squad around Bernardo Silva as the 'new Modrić'.
As Real Madrid, under José Mourinho, prepares for the new season with signings like Bernardo Silva, a contract standoff with one of the club's key players is simmering. Winger Vinicius Junior (26) has laid out demands for a new deal that would significantly boost his earnings and give him a status similar to that enjoyed by Kylian Mbappé.
According to Spanish sports daily AS, Vinicius has set clear financial targets in negotiations over an extension with the Royal Club. The Brazilian, who arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2018 as an 18-year-old, is now seeking an annual salary of €20 million, a €5 million increase over his current contract.
However, the key detail lies in the overall structure of the deal. Vinicius is reportedly inspired by Kylian Mbappé's example, who, upon arriving in Madrid, received a signing bonus of as much as €150 million on top of a €15 million-per-season salary. The Brazilian is now asking for a similar bonus, which represents a significant financial commitment for the club.
The most intriguing part of his demands concerns commercial rights. Vinicius wants his new contract to include exclusive rights to his own image, following the model of Mbappé, who retained nearly 100% of the revenue from his sponsorship deals. This is particularly important given that the Brazilian currently works with as many as 18 brands, including Nike, Apple, PlayStation, Pepsi, Prada, Clear, Gatorade, and others.
According to available data, Vinicius earned €20 million from sponsorship deals last year. Real Madrid currently takes an average of 50% of that income, although the percentage varies depending on the individual contract with each brand. In a scenario where the Brazilian retained exclusive rights, his earnings from brands could practically double.
While negotiations with Vinicius continue, Real Madrid is simultaneously shaping the squad for a new era. At the Valdebebas training ground, Bernardo Silva, a 31-year-old Portuguese player who arrived as a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired, is already training. Mourinho insisted on his arrival, turning down an offer from Atlético Madrid, and according to Spanish outlet Marca, he sees him as a new version of Luka Modrić.
Although they have different playing styles, Silva brings a similar level of experience and versatility. In his last season with Manchester City, he played 55 matches: all 38 in the Premier League, eight in the Champions League, four in the FA Cup, and three in the League Cup. Mourinho considers him a player who can bring maturity to a squad that has lost leaders like Modrić, Kroos, Nacho, Benzema, and Carvajal.
Currently, Fede Valverde is the first captain of the team, with Vinicius as the second captain, and Thibaut Courtois has also joined the leadership group. Silva, who grew into a captain and fan favorite under Pep Guardiola at City, is expected to bring an extra dose of leadership on and off the pitch, whether he plays on the right wing, in midfield, or as a playmaker.
