‘I’m leaving the team’ – Vinicius Jr draws attention after row with Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has reportedly told teammates he could be ready to leave the club following a heated fallout with manager Xabi Alonso, a development that has put several Premier League giants on high alert.
The 25-year-old Brazilian was visibly furious after being substituted during Real Madrid’s 2-1 El Clásico victory over Barcelona on Sunday.
Television cameras captured the winger confronting Alonso on the touchline, questioning the decision to take him off.
As he stormed down the tunnel, Vinicius was overheard saying: “It’s always me. I’m leaving the team. I’m leaving, I’d better leave.”
Vinicius showing his frustration after being substituted against Barcelona in El Clasico – Getty image
He later returned to the bench but appeared visibly upset, fuelling speculation that his relationship with the Madrid boss has broken down beyond repair.
Fallout reaches breaking point
Sources close to the player claim Vinicius feels “disrespected” by Alonso’s handling of him in recent weeks.
The El Clásico incident was reportedly the culmination of growing tension between the pair over tactical decisions and communication issues.
The Brazilian forward who has scored 111 goals in 316 appearances for Real and netted the winner in the 2022 Champions League Final, now believes the situation may be “irreversible.”
Real Madrid officials have not issued an official statement, but insiders suggest Alonso is unlikely to back down from his stance on squad discipline, further complicating matters.
Premier League clubs on alert
Vinicius’s potential availability has put Premier League clubs on alert, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham all monitoring the situation.
His contract runs until 2027, with wages around £350,000 per week and an estimated market value of £130 million. However, Madrid’s internal unrest could tempt clubs to move as early as the January transfer window.
Manchester United, still reeling from a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, reportedly view Vinicius as a marquee signing to spearhead their rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
Liverpool, long admirers of his pace and flair, are also said to be exploring a potential bid.
