From the Bernabeu back to Brazil? Flamengo calls Vinicius to come home

The chances of Vinícius Junior still being at Real Madrid beyond the summer of 2027 are measured in promille. The feeling is that no one really wants it to happen.

Real Madrid are growing tired of the constant issues surrounding Vinicius, above all, his behaviour. Spanish public opinion has had enough of his never-ending complaints. And Vinicius himself appears exhausted by the permanent battle against everything that doesn't go his way.

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A lifeline is being thrown from an unexpected place: Flamengo. The club from which he set off into the world back in 2018, the moment he came of age. Right now, it sounds like science fiction, but so did the idea of Flamengo signing Lucas Paqueta for €40m, the biggest incoming transfer in Brazilian football history.

Flamengo's hierarchy has now openly stated their desire to bring Vinicius home, without paying Real Madrid a single euro.

"Vini's contract is coming to an end. He recently sent me a lovely gift - his signed shirt," said Flamengo sporting director Jose Boto at a press conference. "You can only fight for players like this when they also want to come. Our door is open for Vini. Everything depends on him. And of course, we're talking about the summer when his contract expires - when we wouldn't have to pay anything to Real Madrid."

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The Paqueta case is being used as the blueprint. A player who wanted Flamengo, and only Flamengo.

"Without Lucas' desire to return, nothing would have been possible," Boto added. "He wanted Flamengo and Flamengo alone, despite having offers from 10-15 European clubs."

For now, it feels unreal. But then again - so did Paqueta.