The boos aimed at Vinícius Júnior at the Santiago Bernabéu, even in games Real Madrid have won, aren’t an isolated detail or a momentary overreaction from the stands. They help explain why the Brazilian’s name is once again circulating strongly across the European market. According to The Guardian, Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation and would be willing to offer around £135 million to take him out of Madrid. At a club where patience is always in short supply, Vinícius’ current moment is no longer a comfortable one.
The forward hasn’t scored in 15 matches. At Real Madrid, that weighs more than anywhere else. The No. 7 was booed even during the 5–1 rout of Betis in LaLiga, a scene that exposes how his standing with the fan base has eroded. This isn’t about questioning his talent or his recent history. The Bernabéu demands constant protagonism and has little time for memories.
Chelsea read the situation and turn wear and tear into leverage
Chelsea’s interest doesn’t come out of nowhere. The London club has grown used to acting aggressively in the market, taking on big risks in search of immediate impact. It doesn’t always work. In Vinícius’ case, the assessment is pragmatic. An elite player, still young, globally valued, voted the world’s best last season, but now going through a spell of on-field and emotional instability in an extremely demanding environment. On top of that, he endured racism in Spain, fought back bravely, and received limited support.
The temporary loss of protagonism at Real becomes a key selling point. The promise of centrality, attacking freedom, and undisputed status carries weight when a player no longer feels untouchable. Chelsea aren’t offering just money. They’re offering a sporting reset in the world’s top league. And in many cases, that speaks louder than the badge.
The stalled contract and Real Madrid’s dilemma
Vinícius Júnior is under contract with Real Madrid until June 2027, but renewal talks have cooled after significant disagreements over terms. That detail changes the tone of the discussion. It’s not an imminent exit, but it’s also not a comfortable situation for a club that usually tries to stay ahead of problems. When negotiations stall, performances dip, and the crowd turns restless, the market gets a voice.
Real find themselves facing a familiar dilemma. Hold on to a decisive player and bet on a recovery in form and standing, or consider a major sale that would allow the squad to be reshaped and send a clear internal message. Neither option is simple, especially when it involves one of the club’s most recent symbols.