Flamengo President Addresses Vinicius Junior Return Rumours Amid Real Madrid Contract Uncertainty

By: Shawn
‎Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista has opened up about the club’s position regarding a potential move to bring Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior back to Brazil, as speculation continues about the attacker’s long-term future. The Brazilian international’s deal at the Santiago Bernabeu runs out next year, and during Xabi Alonso’s short tenure as Real Madrid manager, an extension appeared unlikely. Baptista has now confirmed that Flamengo are not in a position to pursue such a transfer in the near future.
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Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista clarifies the club’s current position on a possible Vinicius Junior return as Real Madrid contract uncertainty and transfer speculation continue.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎Vinicius has enjoyed huge success since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, evolving into one of the world’s elite forwards. However, reports over the last year have suggested he has been unsettled in Madrid. The winger was believed to have disagreements with former manager Alonso, who has since been dismissed and replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. With Alonso gone, Vinicius is reportedly more willing to consider signing a new contract.
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‎Arbeloa has also addressed the situation, stating that negotiations are beyond his control. He explained that discussions are strictly between the player and the club, while expressing his personal hope that Vinicius continues building his legacy at Real Madrid.
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‎Flamengo sporting director Jose Boto recently joked about potentially signing Vinicius on a free transfer, suggesting talks with the player’s representatives could happen when his contract expires, avoiding a transfer fee to Real Madrid.
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‎Baptista, however, dismissed suggestions of a quick reunion. Speaking to AS, he highlighted Vinicius’ past connection with Lucas Paqueta at Flamengo, noting they played together at youth level and in the senior team for six months around 2016 or 2017. He added that the pair share a close friendship and are both represented by Roc Nation Sports Brasil. Baptista stressed the different life stages of the two players, explaining Paqueta has a family life waiting for him at home while Vinicius does not. He said Vinicius would command a salary far beyond what Flamengo is currently considering for Paqueta, making a deal impossible at this stage.
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‎Baptista also rejected the possibility of signing Vinicius even if he became available for free, pointing out that the forward wants to remain in Europe. He said any conversation about a transfer is currently more for fans to imagine than reality. While Flamengo would welcome him and he regularly visits the Maracana and maintains friendships at the club, Baptista confirmed the move is currently out of reach.
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‎Meanwhile, despite Alonso’s early departure, Real Madrid remain in a strong position this season. They sit just one point behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race and secured a place in the Champions League knockout stage play-offs, where they will face Benfica again after losing their final league phase match to the Portuguese side in dramatic fashion.
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‎Since that defeat, Madrid have responded with wins over Rayo Vallecano and Valencia, keeping pressure on league leaders Barcelona. Their next challenge will be against Real Sociedad, who are currently on a ten-match unbeaten run.

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