Vinicius receives transfer information from the Brazilian club

The president of Flamengo clearly expressed the club's position on the possibility of bringing Vinicius back, amid ongoing speculation about the Brazilian international's future at Real Madrid.

Vinicius has made a significant impact at Real Madrid since joining from Flamengo in 2018, gradually establishing himself as one of the world’s top forwards. However, over the past year, there have been numerous reports suggesting the Brazilian player is no longer fully content in the Spanish capital. The 2000-born star is rumored to have had conflicts with former coach Xabi Alonso, who was dismissed and replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. Nevertheless, after Alonso’s departure, Vinicius is said to be more open to the idea of extending his contract.

Earlier, Flamengo’s sporting director, Jose Boto, had hinted at the possibility of bringing Vinicius back to Brazil jokingly saying: “Next, we will talk with Vini Jr.'s agent. When does his contract expire, Mr. President? If so, we wouldn’t have to pay Real Madrid anything!”

However, Flamengo’s president, Mr. Baptista, cooled down rumors about Vinicius returning to his former club soon. He told AS: “That’s just a journalist’s question. Vinicius once played alongside Lucas Paqueta at Flamengo around 2016 or 2017. They played together in both the youth and senior teams for about six months. They share a strong personal bond, are friends, both grew up at Flamengo, and even share the same agency, Roc Nation Sports Brasil.

There is a significant difference between Paqueta’s current situation and Vinicius’s. Paqueta has a family waiting for him at home every day. Vini’s situation is different. Their circumstances are not the same. Vinicius is currently not an option for Flamengo. If any deal involving him happens, his salary would definitely be much higher than what we are considering for Paqueta. That possibility does not exist now. Flamengo is not able to do that yet.”

When asked about the idea of signing Vinicius on a free transfer as Boto previously mentioned, Baptista continued to dismiss it: “Yes, but Vinicius wants to remain in Europe. The timing and circumstances vary for each player. Whether it’s Vini’s desire or financial reasons, it remains just speculation for fans. The reality is that Vinicius is always welcomed. Whenever he returns to Brazil, he visits Maracana, stops by Flamengo’s stands, and has friends here. We want Vini, but right now he is out of Flamengo’s reach. It’s not the right time yet.”

While Real Madrid parted ways with Xabi Alonso earlier than expected, the club still has a chance to make the 2025/26 season successful. Los Blancos currently trail Barcelona by just one point in the La Liga title race. In the Champions League, they secured a playoff spot after losing to Benfica in the final group stage match. Real Madrid will face Benfica again in the playoff round to compete for a place in the round of 16.

Since the loss to Benfica, Real Madrid has beaten Rayo Vallecano and Valencia, continuing their pursuit of Barcelona in the standings. Their next match will be against Real Sociedad, who are currently on an impressive 10-match unbeaten streak.