Real Madrid consider selling Vinicius Jr unless Brazil star reduces massive salary demands in shock development that could benefit Rodrygo

Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA Sports

Rodrygo could be the beneficiary amid Vinicius Jr.'s contract standoff with Real Madrid, as the club could consider selling the No.7 this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Tensions are rising at Real Madrid as Vinicius Jr. pushes for a significant pay raise and a hefty renewal bonus that could exceed the club’s wage ceiling. His demands come amid the arrival of Kylian Mbappe last summer, whose lucrative signing bonus upon arriving as a free agent has reportedly become a reference point for the Brazilian star.

Vini Jr.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Amid the trouble brewing within the offices at Valdebebas, one player could greatly benefit from Madrid and Vini having contractual disagreements. Sport reveals that Rodrygo's potential exit could be blocked if Vini fails to reach an agreement with Los Blancos.

Club president Florentino Perez is hesitant, fearing that meeting the 25-year-old's demands to become the highest-paid player at the club would disrupt the wage structure and spark similar requests from other top players. As a result, Madrid are now seriously considering selling either Vinicius or Rodrygo to help offset this summer’s heavy transfer spending. Rodrygo, whose contract runs a year longer, is also on the market with a €100 million (£86.6m/$116m) price tag. However, Vinicius, whose form has dipped, may be the more likely departure.

DID YOU KNOW?

In new head coach Xabi Alonso's short tenure, Rodrygo has played a total of 92 minutes in six games, of which he was an unused substitute in three. Apparently, the former Santos prodigy wishes to continue at the Bernabeu, and his wish could be granted if Vini is offloaded. If reports are to be true, Alonso could perhaps shift towards benching one of Mbappe or Vinicius to bring balance and structure to the team. Rodrygo, therefore, could work his way into the ex-Bayer Leverkusen coach's plans. But speculation has strongly suggested that Madrid would prefer Rodrygo to leave the club, even though they will leave the final decision on the player. Arsenal seem to be in pole position to acquire the 24-year-old's services, but Liverpool are ready to battle their Premier League counterparts.

Vini Rodrygo 2-1

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Los Blancos will hope to resolve the contract dispute with Vini as soon as possible, given that the No.7 has only two years left on his contract. As for Rodrygo, his future appears to be away from the Spanish capital, unless things change drastically.