Real Madrid prevents a Mbappé scenario with Vinícius Junior

Real Madrid took a significant gamble by paying €45 million for Vinícius Junior, who was not even eighteen at the time. As a result, he had to wait for his transfer to Spain, but once there, things progressed rapidly for the South American. 

He is now in his fourth season as a regular starter for Real Madrid and is regarded as one of the greatest talents on the European football scene. The 23-year-old left winger finished sixth in this year's Ballon d'Or ranking.

By renewing the expiring contract in a timely manner, Real Madrid is avoiding a scenario it hopes to take advantage of. At Paris Saint-Germain, they couldn't manage to secure Kylian Mbappé for a longer term, leaving the Frenchman with an expiring contract. It's an open secret that Real Madrid is eager to acquire Mbappé, who would then form an attacking duo with Vinícius Junior.

Reportedly, Real Madrid has included a release clause of one billion euros in Vinícius Junior's new contract. This is not uncommon in Spain; Barcelona also frequently uses such large clauses.