A shocking report has claimed that many Real Madrid players, including regular starters, are unhappy with Vinicius Júnior's attitude and want him to be sold as soon as possible.
Brazilian Vinícius, who finished second in the Ballon d'Or race behind Rodri, has been nowhere near his best in recent months and has struggled to find the back of the net. His contract extension talks remain stalled after Real Madrid found his demands unworthy of meeting.
The winger now finds himself at the centre of a dressing room conflict, as Football365 claimed, citing a Spanish report. According to the report, Vinícius has not been an ideal team player recently, "disconnecting" when the team is in a tough spot. He focuses only on his own game, not caring about the team's recovery.
This selfishness has irritated several Real Madrid stars, who feel Vinícius's body language is indicative that he only cares about his game. And these players have not remained silent.
"Several heavyweights in the dressing room" have made their discomfort known, Football365 said, adding that they believe his exit is pivotal for Real's unity. For the squad to remain competitive, they believe the Brazilian must be sold, and the squad is doing whatever they can to ensure a transfer happens "as soon as possible". With Barcelona ahead of them in the La Liga title race midway through the season, it is only natuaral that the squad wants internal conflicts and ego clashes gone.
The reports, however, did not mention which teammates were disgusted by Vini's attitude.
Vinicius Jr’s Real Madrid future over?
It was reported in July that Vini Jr categorically told Real Madrid that he wanted to be the highest-earning member of the squad. The talks reached a stalemate as the winger wanted the team to pay him around €30 million, including a renewal bonus in the new deal. While Real Madrid were open to offering him a considerable increase from his current salary—which is around €10 million net per season—they were not willing to give him more than Mbappé's €15 million. This was said to be the reason for the talks stalling.
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Vinícius was linked to several Saudi teams, but it was reported that he wanted to remain in Europe with the Ballon d'Or in mind. Playing at the highest level was important to keep his hopes of winning the award alive. Vini has the opportunity to leave Madrid as a free agent in a couple of years—a situation which will not be permitted by Real Madrid at any cost. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), regarded as one of the best teams in Europe at the moment alongside Arsenal, are also said to be interested in signing him.
The 25-year-old Vinícius Jr joined Madrid back in 2018 from Brazil's Flamengo.