Revealed: Vinicius Junior’s delay in contract negotiations with Real Madrid is paying off

Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior is probably at the peak of his career so far, having just received the FIFA Best Award and finished second in the Ballon d’Or, although much to his chagrin in the latter case. The Brazilian has reinforced himself as the team’s star this year despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

All this has changed compared to the summer: some had wondered if Mbappé could eclipse Vinicius, but in any case the opposite has happened. It has also worked for Vinicius in the boardroom. As Relevo revealed, Vinicius decided not to enter into talks about a new deal with Los Blancos in the summer, despite a call from the club.

It was a bet to himself that with the Ballon d’Or (which didn’t come), the Best Award and another great season under his belt, he would be in a stronger position to negotiate a new deal; good decision.

His decision to postpone talks last summer also came with Saudi Arabia in the background and numerous rumors about a possible exit. Certainly Vinicius is making it quite clear that Real Madrid not only has to retain him, but they must charge him like the best in the world. At only 24 years old, few players will sit down and talk with so much ammunition.