Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is reportedly using Kylian Mbappe's massive contract as a negotiation tactic in his talks with the club over a new deal.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of Real's UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Vinicius revealed that he wants to sign a new deal at the club.
According to the BBC, the Brazilian star said: "I am very calm because I have a contract until 2027, and hopefully, we can renew it because I am happy here.
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"I play with the best in the world, with the best president, and with people who love me so much. I couldn't be in a better place than here. Yes, I am here to make history and to give back what the club has given me.
"Hopefully, I can continue scoring more goals and winning matches in this shirt. I have a history, but I can achieve much more. I want to be part of the club's history."
It also recently emerged that the 24-year-old star's representatives engaged with Saudi Arabian officials in September and December 2024, with the latter party reportedly offering to pay up to €400 million (R7.8 billion) to sign Vinicius from Real.
As made clear by the player himself, Vinicius is more interested in remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu, and he is now said to have made a particular demand to the club.
According to Football Espana, Vinícius wants his new contract to include a 30% increase on what Mbappe is currently earning at Real.
It is reported that talks are progressing positively and that the parties have agreed to postpone negotiations until the end of the season.
In the meantime, the club is said to have heard Vinicius' financial expectations and now wants to carefully assess its wage structure to ensure that any new contract aligns with the financial framework of the squad.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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