Locker room clash incoming? Real Madrid set to make major Vinicius call that may ruffle Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid is set to settle the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Vinicius Junior, putting an end to a saga that has lingered for over a year. While fans may celebrate the conclusion of this long-standing contract drama, the decision behind closed doors could spark unintended consequences — especially among the club’s biggest stars, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

The Brazilian forward, once courted with extravagant offers from Saudi Arabia, is now preparing to commit his long-term future to the club he joined as a teenager. But in doing so, Los Blancos have had to break their own salary structure, a move that may not sit well with everyone in the dressing room.

After months of rumors linking him to the Saudi Pro League — with some offers reportedly reaching $1.1 billion over five years — Vinicius Jr. has reached an agreement with Real Madrid to extend his contract until the summer of 2030. The news was first reported by Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol on El Chiringuito TV, who stated: “Vinicius is going to sign for three more years… It’s surely going to be announced before the Club World Cup.”

Currently tied to the club until 2027, the Brazilian’s new deal adds three additional seasons, ensuring his presence in Madrid well into the next decade. This development marks the end of speculation that began last year when his entourage reportedly engaged in talks with Saudi officials.

Florentino Perez and the Whites’ board have reportedly been cautious throughout, wary of both the financial implications and the message such a deal could send to the rest of the squad. The breakthrough came when both sides compromised on salary expectations, with Vinicius initially requesting over $34 million per season.

Salary that could break the system?

According to Sport, Vinicius’ new contract will net him more than $22.7 million per season, breaking Real Madrid’s internal wage cap of $17.1 million. The only other player to have reached that threshold? Kylian Mbappe, who signed with the club last summer after letting his PSG contract expire.

“The contract has to improve,” Pedrerol confirmed. “But it doesn’t mean he’s going to earn 32 [million] either.” The compromise, while less than Vinicius’ initial request, still marks a significant shift in the club’s economic strategy — one that might trigger a ripple effect.

Trouble brewing in the dressing room?

Vinicius’ new salary puts him on par with Mbappe, a status that cements his importance to the team. However, this move could create tension among the club’s other stars, especially Jude Bellingham, who was recently third in the Ballon d’Or voting and is widely seen as the future of Madrid’s midfield.

The Englishman’s contract runs through 2027 — and by the time it is up for renewal, he may demand a raise matching Vinicius or more. There are also concerns about how this wage hike will be viewed by Federico Valverde and other key players who fall into the second salary tier.

“Sport warns that the decision to break the salary structure comes with risks,” as other players may now view this as precedent-setting, potentially creating a domino effect in future negotiations.