The tension of the Madrid derby reached a boiling point during last night’s Supercopa de España semi-final, as Diego “Cholo” Simeone and Vinicius Junior engaged in a heated sideline spat.
While the two are no strangers to confrontation, Simeone’s latest verbal jab has sparked a massive debate regarding the Brazilian’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Provocation: “Florentino will kick you out”
As Vinicius was substituted in the second half, Simeone seized the opportunity to engage in his signature psychological warfare.
The Atletico Madrid manager was caught telling the winger: “Vini, Vini… Florentino Pérez will kick you out, remember I told you!”
The comment clearly struck a nerve, leaving Vinicius visibly infuriated.
While teammates like Federico Valverde and manager Xabi Alonso have publicly rallied behind the 25-year-old, the timing of Simeone’s “prophecy” is particularly sensitive given the current climate in the Spanish capital.
A Historic Goal Drought and Contract Uncertainty
Despite his status as a club icon who has won every major trophy since arriving from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius is currently navigating his most difficult period in a white shirt.
The Brazilian has now gone 18 consecutive games without a goal, a staggering statistic for a player of his caliber.
With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2027, the Real Madrid board faces a critical crossroad.
While Xabi Alonso maintains public faith in his star, reports from ESPN’s Rodra suggest that internal “doubts” are growing. For the first time, a summer departure for the winger is no longer being viewed as impossible.
The Chelsea Connection and Market Value
The rumors surrounding a move to the Premier League continue to swirl.
Last week, reports suggested Chelsea were prepared to launch a staggering €160m bid for the Brazilian.
Although transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently dismissed the immediacy of these claims—stating that Vini remains focused on Madrid—the Blues’ long-term interest remains a shadow over the Bernabéu.
Chelsea’s recent investments in Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens haven’t quite delivered the expected results at Stamford Bridge.
While a move for Vinicius Junior is reportedly ruled out “for now,” the situation could change rapidly if contract extension talks stall.
If no deal is reached by next season, Vinicius Junior could find himself entering the final months of his contract, potentially forcing Real Madrid’s hand.
