Alvaro Arbeloa’s supportive words, the Bernabeu’s renewed embrace, and his return to goalscoring form appear to have transformed Vinicius Jr’s situation, as his contract renewal remains unsealed.
Despite initial willingness, the volatile relationship between Vinicius Jr and the Santiago Bernabeu caused significant swings in the Brazilian’s contract renewal negotiations. His current deal expires on 30th June 2027. The winger is an emotional player, heavily influenced by his immediate surroundings. His previous disagreements with Xabi Alonso, coupled with jeers from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd, muddied the waters. However, the context now appears to be shifting, creating a more favourable environment for a deal.
“I trust the president, and he trusts me. We will sort things out when the time is right; we are not in a hurry,” Real Madrid’s No 7 told ‘TNT Brasil’ on Tuesday after their victory against Monaco. This statement clearly signalled his willingness to stay and defused any tension. Perceptions certainly shift when the Bernabeu crowd offers applause rather than whistles. Those earlier jeers merely served as a warning after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup and crashed out of the Copa del Rey against a second tier opponent. While Vinicius Jr admitted to his country’s press he initially struggled to understand the fans’ reaction, he ultimately accepted it.
Against Barca, despite the defeat and its implications, Vinicius Jr delivered one of his finest performances of the season, ending a three-month goal drought. Then, on Tuesday, with Alvaro Arbeloa now in the dugout, he netted his first goal at the Santiago Bernabeu since 4th October against Villarreal. He also contributed a brace of assists. The crowd recognised his efforts with resounding cheers, staging his reconciliation with the fans, and his embrace with the Salamanca-born coach also carried significant symbolism.
Since joining the coaching staff, Arbeloa has adopted a more affable approach towards the players, openly nurturing Vinicius Jr. “If I want to compete for titles, I need him on the pitch,” he declared before the match. Following the game, he offered a distinctive comment regarding their touchline embrace after the goal: “Vinicius Jr’s hug wasn’t for me; it was for all of the ‘Madridismo’.” He reiterated, “We need Vinicius Jr to be happy to secure all our titles.”
This surge of positive momentum also aligns with a key detail reported by ‘AS’: Federico Pena, Real Madrid’s forward’s agent, attended the Champions League match from the Santiago Bernabeu stands. The head of Roc Nation Brasil aimed to support the player and demonstrate his backing. The trip also facilitated a reunion with the club’s hierarchy. While this doesn’t confirm a specific meeting to discuss Vinicius Jr’s renewal, the conditions are once again ideal for the ‘7’ to commit. Both he and the club want him to stay. However, without a positive sporting environment, the financial negotiations will undoubtedly prove more challenging.
