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Football Insider

Real Madrid's Strategy: Vinicius Junior Contract Stalemate and Contingency Plan with PSG's Vitinha

Real Madrid are preparing for all eventualities as contract negotiations with Vinicius Junior continue to stall. Reports suggest a contingency plan involving Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Vitinha if an agreement with Vinicius cannot be reached.

Real Madrid's Strategy: Vinicius Junior Contract Stalemate and Contingency Plan with PSG's Vitinha

Real Madrid are preparing for all eventualities as contract negotiations with Vinícius Junior continue to stall, with reports suggesting a contingency plan has already been mapped out. The Brazilian forward remains locked in talks over improved terms, holding firm on his financial demands while the club have so far refused to move beyond their most recent offer. Vinícius has repeatedly underlined his commitment to life at the Santiago Bernabeu, and that stance has been echoed from the top. Club president Florentino Perez is understood to be keen on retaining one of the team’s most influential figures, with Madrid’s default position being to keep the winger at almost any cost. The message from the Spanish capital is consistent: Vinicius is central to the sporting project. Only a complete breakdown in negotiations would push the club towards a sale, and even then, it would be on Madrid’s terms. Discussions are expected to resume next summer, but the lack of progress has forced Madrid’s hierarchy to quietly consider alternatives should an agreement ultimately prove impossible. While both parties insist there is no desire for a split, the uncertainty has prompted strategic planning behind the scenes.According to Cadena SER, that fallback plan would see Madrid pivot towards Vitinha, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder who has long been admired by scouts at Valdebebas. In this scenario, Madrid would consider selling Vinícius for a fee no lower than €100 million (£87m), before redirecting that money into an aggressive pursuit of the Portuguese playmaker. Interest in Vitinha is not new. Within the club, he is viewed as a midfielder capable of transforming the tempo and structure of Madrid’s engine room, a profile they believe has been missing in recent seasons. The discussion around Vitinha inevitably ties into a broader debate about succession planning. The departures and advancing years of legends such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić have left a creative void in the middle of the pitch, one Madrid have struggled to fill decisively. As journalist Jorge C. Picon has explained, the club hierarchy recognised the problem but found few suitable replacements who were both convincing and financially viable. Rather than overspend, Madrid opted to explore internal solutions.That gamble centred on the idea that one, or both, of Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler could evolve into deeper midfield roles. While both possess exceptional talent, neither experiment has fully delivered the control and rhythm traditionally associated with Madrid’s elite playmakers. As a result, the search for a true midfield organiser has quietly resumed, with Vitinha increasingly viewed as a near-ideal candidate.Even with funds generated from a hypothetical Vinicius sale, taking Vitinha away from Paris Saint-Germain would be enormously challenging. The Portugal international is under contract until 2029 and is considered a cornerstone of PSG’s midfield.  Relations between the two European heavyweights are hardly warm, and PSG would be particularly reluctant to strengthen a historic rival. Any move would almost certainly require Vitinha himself to push for the transfer, and even then, precedent suggests the Paris outfit would not buckle easily. Indeed, they fought Mbappe tooth and nail in court over unpaid wages, a fight they eventually lost. Vitinha remains a highly attractive but realistically difficult option, one that would test both Madrid’s negotiating power and the player’s willingness to force the issue.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingFor now, Madrid remain confident that an agreement with Vinícius can still be reached, preserving a partnership that has defined their attacking identity in recent years. Yet the existence of a Vitinha contingency plan underlines the club’s determination to stay ahead of any eventuality. Madrid return to action on 4 January against Real Betis in La Liga, before a Supercopa derby against Atlético Madrid five days later in Jeddah. Xabi Alonso's future hangs by a thread, and another defeat to their eternal rivals might seal his fate at the Spanish capital.

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Real Madrid's Commitment to Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid is determined to retain Vinicius Junior, one of their key players. Club president Florentino Perez values the winger highly and is keen on keeping him at almost any cost. However, stalled contract talks have prompted the club to consider alternative plans.

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The Contingency Plan with Vitinha

Should negotiations with Vinicius Junior reach an impasse, Real Madrid has a backup plan involving PSG midfielder Vitinha. The Portuguese playmaker is seen as a potential solution to Madrid's midfield needs, offering creativity and control in the center of the pitch.

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Challenges in Pursuing Vitinha

While Vitinha is a top target for Madrid, securing his services from PSG will be a tough task. The player is under contract until 2029 and is vital to PSG's midfield. Madrid would need to navigate difficult negotiations and the player's willingness to push for a transfer.

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The Importance of Succession Planning

Madrid's pursuit of Vitinha is not just about the present but also about planning for the future. With midfield stalwarts like Kroos and Modrić aging, the club is looking for long-term solutions. Vitinha is seen as a player who can fill the creative gap in the team's engine room.

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Xabi Alonso's Future and Upcoming Matches

Real Madrid faces uncertainty with Xabi Alonso's future hanging in the balance. A critical period awaits them with matches against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid. The club's handling of the Vinicius situation and potential pursuit of Vitinha could shape their direction.

Published on Dec 27, 2025