Vinicius Junior appears to be eager to extend his contract at Real Madrid but there is still no indication that a renewal is close. The Brazilian winger has been at the Estadio Bernabeu since the summer of 2018 and written his name in the club's history books.
The 25-year-old has encountered one of the most difficult seasons of his career both on and off the pitch. He held a frosty relationship with former manager Xabi Alonso and his frustrations with being subbed off were on display.
Vinicius has refound form under interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa and has registered eight goals and 11 assists in 33 games across competitions this season. But if the Brazilian is to leave the club due to his contract situation that will likely occur this summer.
Reports claim that he is demanding a salary package of around €30 million and previously turned down Madrid's offer of €20 million. The club are under pressure to find a resolution heading into the final stretch of the season.
Eden Hazard knows all about making the move to Madrid after becoming the club's most expensive player in the summer of 2019 for €150 million. The Belgian attacker failed to live up to expectations due to recurring injury issues.
The former Chelsea man has constantly gone on record to declare his love for Los Blancos. With all the talk about Vinicius' future he seems to be a fan of a potential replacement.
Hazard spoke to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport about several topics including Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz. He suggested the Turkish attacker would be an ideal Los Merengues star (via Madrid Xtra):
"My kids are crazy about Kenan Yildiz, they hope to see him in the Premier League. But for me, he’s a Real Madrid type player."
Yildiz is regarded as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in Europe and has been in fine form at Juve. He has appeared 31 times across competitions this season, posting nine goals and eight assists.
The 20-year-old has been linked with Madrid as a possible acquisition for the club if Vinicius or Rodrygo were to leave. The Serie A giants have reportedly slapped an €100 million price tag on Yildiz whose current contract expires in the summer of 2029, per Italian newspaper La Stampa (via MadridUniversal).
Could Yildiz replace Vinicius?
Yildiz and Vinicius are different profile of wingers with the Juve star more of a creative attacker while the Madrid man is direct and pacey. But the Turk could be a good fit at the Bernabeu and is in the age bracket of talent whom the recruitment team have been targeting in recent years.
The former Bayern Munich youngster is still in the early stages of his development but has shone in Italy. He also offers versaility as he's able to play across the frontline and as a number 10.
Yildiz has yet to reach Vinicius' level and it would be a risk given how important the Brazilian is in this Madrid team. But if he were to depart this summer then the Juve attacker would surely be on Florentino Perez's list of potential replacements.