Trouble is afoot at Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior is reportedly unhappy with life under Xabi Alonso.
There is a catalogue of stars to manage at Real Madrid. So it’s perhaps more important to keep everyone’s ego in check.
After Los Blancos‘ win over Barcelona in October, Vinicius Jr reacted furiously to being substituted. He stormed off the pitch and down the tunnel, screaming: “Always me. I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving.”
The Brazilian reportedly went to Florentino Perez to apologise for his behaviour after the game and issued an apology on social media. But he noticeably left Alonso’s name out.
At one point, the Brazilian was incredibly influential for Real Madrid. It seemed unthinkable that he would ever leave. But he has only completed five of Madrid’s 17 matches this season.
With Vinicius not getting ample minutes this season, we’ve taken a look at three options for where he could end up if he chooses to leave the Bernabeu.
Dream: PSG
In truth, most players will see Real Madrid as the pinnacle. It’s hard for players to not think of a move to the Spanish capital at some point. But if there was ever a move that would be the ‘dream’ option for the Brazilian, it would be Paris Saint-Germain.
Luis Enrique’s men have been blighted by attacking injuries this season. Although Vinicius Jr’s contract doesn’t expire till the summer of 2027, Los Blancos would not want to lose such a player for free.
When you take a look at the characteristics of PSG’s other forwards, the former Flamengo player would fit in perfectly.
Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia are all lethal when they play as they can dribble the ball from deep, wide and can all make runs in behind. Enrique wouldn’t have to change his style and could have the option of moving Kvaratskhelia further back into midfield.
When compared to the attack that won the Champions League last season, Vinicius Jr matches the pick of the attackers for goals per 90 minutes and beats out all of them when it comes to conversion rate and shot accuracy.
There aren’t many players that would elevate PSG’s attack but the Brazilian is one of them. A player of Vinicius Jr’s calibre should be at a team like PSG, the only sticking point would be the Brazilian’s fiery temperament and volatile nature as a superstar. PSG’s success has came from shedding the image of buying stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Vinicius Jr’s signing may be a perfect tactical fit but could upset a harmonious dressing room.
Realistic: Saudi Pro League
This would be a step down footballing wise but seems the most realistic option financially with only the Saudi clubs likely to afford the Brazilian’s wages.
There has been rumors of the Saudi clubs eyeing up the winger’s services previously and Real Madrid could be tempted by a mammoth offer for one of their coveted stars.
The Saudi Pro League has proved an enticing prospect for some of the world’s best footballers as teams have broken the bank for players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to become the face of their clubs.
A player like Vinicius Jr going to the Saudi Pro League would be a major, sensational coup.
It’s plausible that a team would pull out all the stops, echoing an offer in the same vein as the one sent to Liverpool for Mo Salah.
Wildcard: Manchester City
With Erling Haaland shouldering most of the goal-scoring burden for Manchester City, it’s apparent that in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola could make use of another superstar.
Man City’s team this season is all about getting the best out of the Norwegian striker, adding Vinicius Jr would bring pace, trickery and elite chance creation.
Not to mention the fact that other defenders would be occupied with trying to track the Brazilian’s movements, freeing up more space for Haaland.
The Real Madrid winger when comparing the stats, has more touches in the opponents box, scores more goals per game and registers more shots on target.
Although Guardiola always favours a system that depends on rotation to keep teams guessing, Vini Jr would likely be a mainstay in his attack to provide a lethal combination with Haaland.
Squawka Suggests: Real Madrid
It’s just really difficult to imagine Vinicius Jr leaving Real Madrid and Los Blancos losing such a talent.
Although Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler are fantastic options to have, Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid have enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Brazilian starring in two Champions League winning campaigns.
There are no guarantees that Alonso stays and this could also be a result of a tough period of teething issues as the club and manager adjust to new surroundings.
The love the players had for Carlo Ancelotti was clear and while that was an incredibly successful period for the club, there was a consensus that it was time for a manager with more flexible and fresh tactics.
The best option would be to let Alonso integrate his new signings successfully and get the best out of an outstanding crop of talent in attack.
Alonso’s methodical, controlled approach and Vinicius Jr’s expressive, creative flair in football need to meet half way in order for Real Madrid to have a successful season.
