Real Madrid activate renewal plan: Club working behind the scenes to secure multiple key stars

Real Madrid have shifted their focus from the transfer market to contract renewals, with the club working discreetly behind the scenes to secure the futures of several key players in the coming weeks.

According to transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants are operating with maximum discretion, meaning the identities of those players have not yet been leaked to the media. However, multiple reports indicate that Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde are at the centre of the club’s planning.

Valverde to stay as Mourinho takes control

Federico Valverde will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the summer. José Mourinho, who according to Romano has assumed total control of Real Madrid’s sporting planning for the 2026/27 season, has made it clear that the Uruguayan midfielder remains a central figure in his project.

Despite a turbulent season marked by inconsistent performances and disciplinary episodes that fuelled speculation about a potential departure, the club has decided to keep Valverde in the squad. The 27-year-old is under contract until 2029 with a symbolic €1 billion release clause, a clear demonstration of the confidence the club has placed in him since his arrival. Reports have also suggested Valverde is set to remain as captain for the 2026/27 campaign.

Mourinho has reportedly approved all market movements made by the club, with Valverde’s continuity—alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni’s recent renewal—among the Portuguese manager’s primary objectives.

Vinicius Jr. agents to hold key meeting

Vinicius Junior’s representatives are planning to initiate fresh talks with Real Madrid officials in the coming days to resolve the Brazilian’s contract situation. The urgency stems from the fact that the 25-year-old has now entered the final 12 months of his current deal, which expires in June 2027—meaning he will be free to negotiate with other clubs as early as January.

Negotiations have been stagnant for over a year due to a significant gulf in financial terms. Vinicius’s camp is demanding an astronomical salary worth €30 million—on par with top earner Kylian Mbappé—plus a substantial renewal bonus, while Madrid’s current offer stands at €20 million.

According to AS, both parties have already agreed to hold a meeting during the final days of July with the aim of finalising a new contract that would keep the Brazilian at the Bernabeu beyond 2027. Club president Florentino Pérez does not want to part ways with Vinicius and sees him as a cornerstone of the club’s long-term project.

The Brazilian is also expected to take on an even greater leadership role within Mourinho’s squad, with reports suggesting he could become the club’s second captain. Vinicius has repeatedly communicated his desire to remain with Real Madrid to Pérez and other senior executives.

With the FIFA World Cup now concluded, the club is eager to resume conversations and secure the forward’s continuity as soon as possible.