Vinicius Jr. Faces Dip in Form Post Ballon d’Or Setback
Once considered the face of Real Madrid's future, Vinicius Jr. has seen a noticeable slump in form following the Ballon d’Or controversy. Though the snub may not be solely responsible, it marked the beginning of a turbulent spell for the Brazilian. Since then, the 24-year-old has battled suspensions, fatigue, and injuries, failing to consistently deliver on the pitch.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappe has further complicated matters for Vinicius, with the French superstar becoming the focal point of Madrid’s attack. This shift has cast a shadow over Vinicius’ role, raising doubts about his long-term position in the squad.
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Real Madrid No Longer Consider Him ‘Untouchable’
Despite his dip in form, Real Madrid continue to rely heavily on Vinicius. However, recent reports indicate that the club no longer see him as an untouchable asset. While his contract includes a staggering 1 billion euros release clause, the door may be slightly ajar for a transfer if the right offer comes along.
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Manchester United Ready to Pounce
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have now entered the race for Vinicius. The Premier League side reportedly view him as the ideal player to lead their rebuild and return to the top of European football.
However, United's interest comes with a caveat — they must qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League to make a formal move. With a top-four finish looking unlikely, winning the UEFA Europa League remains their only route to Europe’s elite competition.
If United do secure Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League, they are expected to launch a 200 million euros bid for the Brazilian forward. While still theoretical at this stage, such an offer could test Real Madrid’s resolve.
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Saudi Clubs Also in the Mix
Vinicius Jr. has also attracted strong interest from Saudi Arabia, where clubs are reportedly willing to splash the cash to lure him away from Europe. However, Manchester United’s project and global stature could prove more appealing if the stars align.
