Vinicius Junior returns to Real Madrid training under Mourinho
Vinicius Junior was back at work with Real Madrid on Monday, ending his holiday after Brazil’s early exit from the World Cup. The detail that stands out: his return comes just as English side Arsenal emerge as an ambitious suitor for the No. 7, whose contract runs out in little more than a year.
Holiday over and a first meeting with Mourinho
The forward, alongside compatriot Brahim Diaz, underwent medical tests at the Blua Sanitas Hospital in Valdebebas that morning before taking part in his first training session under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach recently took charge of the Merengues and now faces the challenge of reintegrating key players who arrive physically and emotionally drained from the World Cup.
Brazil went out in the round of 16, beaten 2-1 by Norway, a result seen as below expectations for a side that always places itself among the favourites. Despite the collective stumble, Vinicius finished as the team’s top scorer at the tournament with four goals.
The numbers behind Arsenal’s interest
The window for a possible exit has widened precisely because the player’s deal is running down. A transfer valued at more than 116.7 million euros is already circulating as a market benchmark, a figure that would place the deal among the most expensive in recent European football.
His recent output justifies the steep price. Over the last five seasons Vinicius has racked up more than 30 goals and assists in all competitions, a consistency that is rare even among the biggest names on the European circuit. In the current 2025-26 campaign he ranks third among players in the continent’s top five leagues for completed dribbles, with 87 – behind only Lamine Yamal on 133 and Yan Diomande with 118.
What changes with Mourinho’s arrival
The club’s confirmation was straightforward: “Vini Jr. and Brahim have rejoined Real Madrid after taking part in the World Cup,” the club said in an official note published on its website. For now there is no public signal that the board intends to block a move, which reinforces the reading that the club would be open to listening to offers if the asking price is met.
It remains to be seen how Mourinho will handle that uncertainty in the dressing room. Having the attack’s biggest name on the way out, even if only in speculation, tends to create noise in a season that already promises tactical rebuilding at the Santiago Bernabeu.
