Real Madrid wisely and definitively rule out Vinicius Junior leaving on loan

Real Madrid left winger Vinicius Junior has been mentioned in rumors linking him to a loan deal, but manager Zinedine Zidane strongly refuted this speculation at a recent press conference.

In 2018-2019, Vinicius Junior was one of the lone bright spots on a Real Madrid team that flopped in the Champions League and finished third in La Liga. While he’s found it more difficult to receive playing time in 2019-2020 due to the additions of Eden Hazard and Rodrygo this summer, Vinicius has been effective and inventive on the pitch, especially from the left forward position.

Despite Vinicius’ strong displays, the 19-year-old Brazilian attacker has been puzzlingly linked to a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. Most speculation has centered around a loan deal this winter due to his inconsistent playing time, but even big clubs like Arsenal have been mentioned as potential suitors.

Thankfully, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has strongly put these rumors to rest, stating that Vinicius will not be loaned in the winter.

Here’s what he said, via Rob Train and Andy Hall of AS:

"“No, he’s not going anywhere, he will stay here, he’s a member of the squad. We have 25 or 26 players. Lately he hasn’t been playing much but we will still count on him. Now isn’t the right moment but that could change from one day to the next and he has a contribution to make to the team. He’s staying, I can tell you that for sure. The issue is that there are other players who are making the squad and playing, as is the case with Rodrygo. When you have 26 players there are four, five or six who have to miss out on the squad list. He’s been out for three, four or five games but we’ll see tomorrow [Saturday]. He has to be ready for when his chance comes.”"

With Eden Hazard nursing a bruised ankle from Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with PSG in the Champions League, Vinicius Junior is in the squad for Saturday’s La Liga contest against Alaves. Vinicius is expected to start, which means he’ll have another prime opportunity to show Spanish top-flight more glimpses of his world-class future.

Not only is Vinicius an important part of Real’s future, but he’s also a key player for the team right now. As Hazard’s injury has shown fans, Vinicius’ role as the top backup left forward is critical. Gareth Bale and Rodrygo are the top options on the right, while Hazard and Vinicius hold down the fort on the left side of the attack.

And even when Vinicius doesn’t start, he can still play a key role as a spark off the bench. There would have been no sense in loaning out a player as gifted as Vinicius, since he already helps the team in 2019-2020.

Meanwhile, Zidane did not rule out Mariano Diaz or Brahim Diaz leaving on loan. Neither man has received much playing time this season, with Mariano’s loan deal looking like a foregone conclusion.