Real Madrid identify Nico Williams as possible Vinicus Jr replacement: Report

The Brazilian is in talks with Los Blancos to extend his deal.

Saudi Pro League club’s increasing interest in Vinicius Junior has heightened ongoing rumours about his future at Real Madrid. Real Madrid are reportedly considering a top player from Spain’s national team as a possible replacement for the Brazilian winger as contract renewal negotiations remain open.

Vinicius’s new deal was Real Madrid’s original objective for this season, but the Saudi Pro League’s record offer has complicated things and made it harder to satisfy the player’s expectations. Los Blancos are reportedly planning another big project in case Vinicius leaves.

Sport reports that Real Madrid have considered Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao as a possible Vinicius replacement. The young Spanish winger is thought to be a perfect fit because he can immediately cover Vinicius’s left-wing area.

Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen is another candidate being considered, but Williams is said to be the preferred option because of his lower price tag and capacity to bolster the left wing while bringing a Spanish player to a team full of international talent.

Williams has had a major influence on the Spain national team, where he was instrumental in their EURO 2024 campaign, as well as at Bilbao, where the squad is a contender in the UEFA Europa League. Real Madrid may now be a more viable destination for the 22-year-old winger, despite FC Barcelona’s interest in signing him last summer.

Cómo te siente? 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/l2w9nfHUJe

— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) March 12, 2025

Although Vinicius’ contract with Real Madrid is set to expire in 2027, the Brazilian has increased his expectations regarding his salary in light of the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, as well as his recent FIFA The Best award. The executives of Real Madrid are now at odds over this.

The club intends to give him a significant pay raise and extend his contract until 2029, but this would throw off the team’s financial equilibrium. According to Sport, Real Madrid are reportedly expecting a transfer fee of at least €250 million if Vinicius decides to go to Saudi club.

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