Vinicius contract talks stall as Real Madrid rotates squad

Real Madrid find themselves managing a potentially delicate situation surrounding forward Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian was left out of the starting lineup on two occasions early in the season and contract talks between the club and his representatives have reportedly stalled. The developments come as Madrid have opened the 2025 26 campaign strongly under coach Xabi Alonso, unbeaten in domestic and European competition, but observers say Vinicius’s standing in the squad has shifted since Kylian Mbappé’s arrival.

Alonso sought to play down any suggestion of a rift this week, telling reporters that Vinicius remains "one of" the club’s important players and that the season is "a marathon" that requires rotating the squad. He said he had a brief, positive conversation with the player and that individual work had been done, adding that many players in the squad must feel valued. Alonso also stressed he makes sporting decisions for the team and that reductions in playing time are not personal.

Vinicius has started most matches this season but has come off the bench twice in five appearances, including Madrid’s Champions League win over Marseille when he entered in the 63rd...