On Cadena SER Deportivo, Francisco Jose Delgado revealed that Vinicius Jr. has informed Real Madrid that any contract renewal would require his salary to match Kylian Mbappe’s. The Brazilian winger was once seen as the “Franchise” player but a dip in form since the Ballon d’Or gala and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe have put that status in question.

Columnist Manuel Jabois offered a candid assessment of the situation: “It’s probably not the smartest decision by Vinicius, who has seen his performance decline since the Ballon d’Or gala. The Real Madrid fans feel he is one of their own, they feel that he is a player that has grown at the Bernabeu, few have flourished and exploded the way he did. Though, this type of leak game, of statements related to money, is not liked by the Real Madrid fans and when the club had to let go of stars like Sergio Ramos and Di Stefano, they did it, because in the end at Real Madrid nobody is indispensable.”

How much of the contract drama is media noise and how much is real remains to be seen. Historically, these tactics haven’t sat well with Florentino Perez. The deal on a renewal was thought done months ago, yet reports suggest Vinicius feels undervalued beneath Mbappe. It leaves all involved in an uncomfortable stance after a poor season.