Despite remaining a regular starter for Real Madrid, there has been speculation surrounding the future of Vinicius Junior in recent times. He has been linked with a blockbuster €150 million transfer move to Manchester United, amid rumours that Los Blancos are looking to sign Kylian Mbappe as a free agent next summer.
If Mbappe does arrive at Real Madrid next summer, that could make things interesting. He and Vinicius are similar in many ways. Would they fit into the same starting XI?
Of course, Mbappe can play as a centre-forward but is at his best when playing through the left flank. The same can be said about Vinicius as well, who has had to play a more central role this season, with Karim Benzema leaving in the summer and Real Madrid not really replacing him.
It feels unlikely that Real Madrid would be willing to part ways with Vinicius at this point though. He is one of the focal points of the team. On the other hand, the Brazilian has already named the one club he would leave for. And it is not Manchester United.
Vinicius already named club he would leave Real Madrid for
As reported by Manchester Evening News, in an interview with France Football and L'Equipe last year, Vinicius said:
"I think I could stay here my whole career, but the club of my life is Flamengo.
"I promised my father I would go back one day. I have to keep this promise."
So, it looks like Flamengo is the only club Vinicius would considering leaving Real Madrid for. And one would assume that he would want to do that late on in his career.
Vinicius came through the youth ranks at Flamengo and broke into the senior game at the Brazilian club before making a move to Real Madrid. In the Spanish capital, he has had his ups and downs, but has managed to develop into one of the best players in the world and a future Ballon d'Or contender.