Vinicius Junior has been warned over his future at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso.
The Brazil international has consistently stated his desire to sign a contract extension in the Spanish capital and renew his Los Blancos link beyond 2027.
However, as talks fail to yield a positive resolution, speculation remains open to an exit in 2026 with the club determined to avoid a free transfer departure in 2027.
After being vital to Carlo Ancelotti, with 20+ goals in all competitions in each of his four seasons under the Italian, his role has been tweaked by Xabi Alonso.
Despite remaining first-choice on the left of Alonso's attack, the plan so far in 2025/26 has been focused on getting even more from Kylian Mbappe as a central option.
Vini Jr has started four of Real Madrid's first five La Liga games, but the 25-year-old has not completed 90 minutes in any of them, and he was angered at being hauled off against Espanyol over the weekend.
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There was frustrated exchange between manager and player on the sidelines but Alonso has played down the issue.
"I was a player, and when I was substituted, it wasn't the best time. I don't make a big deal out of it," as per Diario AS.
"Everyone is happy to win. That's what we need as a team. Everyone understands the role they play for the team, that we have to contribute to.
"I'm happy with what Vini is doing and we're just getting started. There's a long way to go and he is important.2
Despite Alonso's upbeat assessment of the situation, former Real Madrid boss Jorge Valdano has warned Vinicius he must accepted how things have changed since Ancelotti's exit.
"Vinicius is not the same as he was and the coach is not the same as he was. Now he will first have to improve his level and then convince the coach," he told Moviistar+, via Mundo Deportivo.
"The attitude he showed in public against Espanyol is not healthy."
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