Vinícius extension talks stall over image rights, say sources

Negotiations over a new contract for Vinícius Júnior have hit an unexpected snag: not wages, but the commercial rights attached to his image, according to three people familiar with the talks.

The Brazilian’s camp values his global brand far above the club’s standard formula for stars, and the gap has widened as commercial interest grows. On pure footballing terms, there is no disagreement.

Madrid’s hierarchy has faced this before and usually wins the standoff. But the player’s camp believes the market has changed, and that a forward of his profile now sits in a tier with only two or three peers worldwide.

Neither side expects a resolution before the winter break. In the meantime, the player continues to deliver on the pitch, which suits both parties fine.