Manchester United are reportedly the only club capable of landing Vinicius Junior should he end up leaving Real Madrid this summer.
The 25-year-old is considered one of the biggest stars at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has been playing his football in the Spanish capital since 2018, when he completed a €45 million transfer from Flamengo.
Vini effectively replaced Cristiano Ronaldo on the left wing, becoming the club’s ultimate attraction. However, many would argue he hasn’t been as effective since Kylian Mbappe’s arrival in 2024.
Only Man Utd can afford Vinicius Junior this summer?
After more than seven years in Madrid, Vinicius’ future at the club is shrouded in mystery for the first time, as his contract will expire in June 2027.
According to French investigative journalist Romain Molina, Real Madrid have given the Brazilian international two options: Either he pens a new contract, or he will be sold this summer, as the club doesn’t intend to lose him for free next season.
💣 El Manchester United sería el ÚNICO CLUB que puede asumir FINANCIERAMENTE un traspaso por Vinicius durante este verano.
💰 Es CLAVE tanto la prima de fichaje, la cuantía del traspaso, el salario y las comisiones.
🔜 El Real Madrid tiene CLARA su postura: RENOVACIÓN o VENTA.… pic.twitter.com/qHxVGfH8oC
— Madridista Hoy (@madridistahoy) July 17, 2026
Nevertheless, the source warns him that should he decide to embark on a new adventure, he won’t find too many suitors capable of matching his current salary, at least not among the European elite.
In fact, Molina argues that Man Utd is the only club that can pull off an operation of this magnitude this summer.
While the costs of the transfer remain uncertain, they comprise a hefty transfer fee (with the winger valued at €140 million), large commissions and sign-on bonuses, and of course a huge salary.
Vinicius currently earns £31,978,863 in gross wages between fixed fees and bonuses, which translates to £614,978 per week (via Capology).
Why signing Vinicius remains a tall order for Man United
This summer, Man Utd have been searching the market for a new right-footed left-winger, at least if they can find Marcus Rashford a new club.
While many would argue that Vinicius is the best in the world in this particular role, the costs are probably too big, even for United, despite what Molina is suggesting.
Since taking over the club’s day-to-day operations, MUFC co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group have been working tirelessly on reducing the club’s inflated wage bill. They have already parted ways with some of the club’s highest earners, including Casemiro, and they’re still trying to rid themselves of other top earners like Rashford and Andre Onana.
Therefore, signing Vinicius would be an uncharacteristic move on Ratcliffe’s part, based on what we’ve witnessed over the past two years.
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