Premier League clubs on alert as Vinicius Jr makes Real Madrid transfer decision

Vinicius Junior could be on the verge of leaving Real Madrid after he reportedly told the club he would not be extending his contract with them.

The Brazil superstar is considered one of the best players in the world and has spearheaded Real’s success in recent years, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

However, he has endured a tumultuous time at the club since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout last summer and the relationship between the two appears to be irreparable.

Tensions began during the Club World Cup and boiled over during October’s El Clasico win over Barcelona when Alonso subbed off Vinicius in the 72nd minute.

The decision infuriated the winger, who was visibly vexed as he left the pitch, shouting at his manager: ‘Me? Me? Mister, mister! Me?’ before reportedly adding: ‘Always me! I’m leaving the team! I’m leaving, I’d better go!’

Vinicius later apologised privately and publicly for his outburst but his disdain for Alonso remains and speculation over the future of both men has increased.

The Athletic now report that the 25-year-old has told Real’s hierarchy that he has no intention of signing a new deal with the Spanish giants while his relationship with the manager is so strained.

Vinicius, who joined Los Blancos in 2018, is under contract until 2027 and had been in talks over an extension but they stalled with the two parties some way apart in regard to the player’s wages.

Alonso for his part has publicly stated on several occasions that there is not personal issue between him and Vinicius, though his decision to bench the forward for the 2-2 draw with Elche last weekend has only poured fuel on the fire.

It is said that Real have been supportive of both player and manager, but if circumstances don’t improve they may be wise to cash-in on the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up while they can.

Clubs from the Saudi Pro League have been interested in signing him for some time but an extremely lucrative offer will have to be made for the Brazilian who has a €1billion (£879million) release clause.

Bookmakers have installed Manchester City as the favourite among Premier League teams to sign him, though it is unclear whether any of them would be interested or are capable of pulling off such a transfer.

Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with a move in the past.

In the meantime, all eyes will be on Vinicius when Real visit Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

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