Why a new deal for Vinicius Jr should be Real Madrid's main priority this summer
FT Desk
- Updated: 26 Apr 2022 21:52 BST
- 8 min read
If rumours and reports are to be believed, Real Madrid have a summer transfer window in store like none other before it.
Not only do the Spanish giants plan on pouncing on Kylian Mbappe for free once his contract at Paris Saint-Germain comes to an end in a few months time, but they also reportedly want to add Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
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As such, Madrid will be handing over hundreds of millions of Euros this summer and that’s before we even get to the midfielders and defenders that have also been linked with a move to Los Blancos.
However, away from the hustle and bustle of the rumour mill, one bit of news that has crept under the radar at Madrid is that of a new contract for Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian scored his 18th goal of the season in the first-leg of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Manchester City, to pair up with his 18 assists in a season of a lifetime for the forward.
Managing Madrid reported in March that the Brazil international is set to sign a new deal with the club this summer which will move him up from being one of the lowest paid players in Carlo Ancelotti’s team to one of the highest earners.
And while contract renewals are never as exciting as new arrivals, a new long-term deal for the forward could be the best bit of business Madrid will do this summer.
His current deal expires in 2024 and with his incredible form this season, they will want to tie him down to a longer deal.
Vinicius Jr keeps getting better and better
Since making the move to Madrid in 2018 for a sizable €45 million, Vinicius Jr has at times been a frustrating player to watch, but there’s no doubt that he was improved better with every passing season.
In his first full season with the club, the Brazilian winger bagged three goals and 12 assists and averaged an impressive 0.77 goals and assists per 90 minutes in all competitions, albeit mostly coming from Copa del Rey games.
In the next two seasons, the player picked up more game time but struggled to match that with goals and assists, averaging just 0.45 per 90 in 2019/20 and 0.43 per 90 in 2020/21.
However, in this season’s side, Vinicius Jr has been nothing short of remarkable, with an incredible 18 goals and 18 assists for Carlo Ancelotti’s side which works out at a very impressive 0.89 goals and assists per 90.
Which just goes to show how vital the player has become for Madrid, despite only being 21 years of age.
He has formed a remarkable partnership with Karim Benzema, with the pair linking up with ease at times and dragging Real Madrid towards the La Liga title.
With interest in Mbappe, it's vital that Real Madrid keep hold of Vinicius Jr to preserve the future of their attack.
A player with flair has added final-third quality and Real can't afford to let Vinicius leave, especially for a minimal fee which could happen if they don't extend his contract.
With all the rumours circulating about their summer business, tying Vinicius Jr down to a new deal is just as important as anyone Real Madrid will sign this upcoming transfer window.
