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<p>Insight from Spain</p>
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<img alt="'It's better if I leave' - Vinicius Jr's Real Madrid future in doubt following El Clasico incident" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/real-madrif-forward-vinicius-jr-1761658749-181463.jpg" title="'It's better if I leave' - Vinicius Jr's Real Madrid future in doubt following El Clasico incident" />
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Real Madrid increased their lead at the top of the La Liga standings to five points on Sunday, defeating Barcelona 2-1 in the first "El Clasico" of the season. Although Barcelona's Fermín López netted an equalizer in the 38th minute after Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 22nd, Jude Bellingham restored Madrid's lead with a goal just before halftime. Despite the victory, the atmosphere in Madrid has been far from jubilant following the match.</p>
<p>While clashes between Barca and Madrid usually arise from intense rivalry, the spotlight during this match was on Vinicius Jr.'s reaction to being substituted in the 72nd minute. Initially incredulous about being replaced by compatriot Rodrygo, the 25-year-old forward was seen on camera exclaiming, "I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave," as he stormed off the pitch. This prompted a frustrated response from Alonso, who remarked, “Come on Vini, damn it.”</p>
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<p>Player Comparison</p>
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<p>€150.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€180.00m</p>
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<p>Left Winger</p>
<p>Position</p>
<p>Centre-Forward</p>
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<p>30/06/2027</p>
<p>Contract until</p>
<p>30/06/2029</p>
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<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Recent reports indicate that Madrid does not plan to penalize Vinicius Jr. for his outburst on the pitch; however, this incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the player. Speculation about Vinicius Jr.'s future at the club continues, driven by an apparent disconnect between him and the team. To gain further insights into the situation in La Liga, we consulted <em>Transfermarkt’s</em> Content Manager in Spain, Iván Fuente, for his perspective.</p>
<p>According to Fuente, "He likely believed the game was at a point where he could leverage his abilities. His reaction highlights a character that can be perceived as selfish and, frankly, disrespectful to his teammates and coaches. He still sees himself as the primary star of Real Madrid, when in the eyes of many, that role has shifted to Mbappé." This tension seems to be at the heart of the issues between Vinicius Jr. and the club.</p>
<p>Looking at Vinicius Jr.'s performance this season, one might think everything is going well. He has started all ten league matches and two out of three Champions League games, contributing an impressive five goals and four assists. Nonetheless, his overall situation is more complex.</p>
<p>Despite being a regular starter, Vinicius Jr. has completed only three games in full and is frequently substituted, which may suggest he is more replaceable than Mbappé, raising further concerns about his relationship with Alonso. Fuente noted, "The shift regarding Vinicius Jr. didn't begin with Alonso's arrival, but rather with Mbappé joining. The limelight is now on the Frenchman, leaving Vinicius struggling to stand out. Additionally, his statements regarding the Ballon d'Or haven't materialized, which might be affecting his performance." </p>
<p>So, does this situation suggest that Vinicius Jr. could leave Madrid in the near future? While it seems unlikely, given his impressive statistics and accolades, it's not out of the realm of possibility. His contract runs until 2027, which may compel Madrid to either accommodate his demands or consider transferring him for a significant fee next summer. Fuente anticipates, "He will likely want to renew his contract with star-level status. If that doesn’t occur, and he receives offers guaranteeing him a leading role from other clubs, he may seek to depart. There have been rumors that Madrid could entertain a sale. If he doesn't initiate contract renewal discussions, it is plausible he could leave in the summer. Given his character, he may demand a deal comparable to Mbappé’s, but I doubt Madrid is willing to meet such terms."</p>
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