Santiago Canizares Criticizes Vinicius Jr and Questions His Transfer Appeal

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has made a controversial assessment of Vinicius Junior, claiming that no major club wanted to sign the Brazilian winger during the summer transfer window.

Vinicius entered the final 12 months of his Real Madrid contract this summer, creating uncertainty over his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the 26-year-old eventually signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Spanish giants until 2032.

There had been reported interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, but the Gunners ultimately did not submit a bid for the Brazil international. Canizares believes the lack of serious interest from top clubs was significant.

Santiago Canizares Claims No Major Club Wanted Vinicius Jr

Speaking on COPE, Canizares argued that Real Madrid were effectively forced to renew Vinicius because, in his view, other major clubs were not prepared to pursue the winger.

“Nobody wants a player like that in their club.”

Canizares continued his criticism by suggesting that the absence of strong transfer interest left Real Madrid with little choice but to extend the player’s contract.

“Since Real Madrid have been in need and obligated to renew his contract, because surely no other team has even contacted him or his agent, because nobody wants a player with these characteristics, in my opinion.”

He then made an especially provocative remark about Newcastle United, suggesting that a club outside the traditional European elite could potentially have signed the winger.

“Well, maybe a smaller team like Newcastle could have him.”

Vinicius Jr Has Built an Impressive Real Madrid Career

Canizares’ comments come despite Vinicius having established himself as one of Real Madrid’s most important attacking players since joining the club in 2018.

The Brazilian has reached a century of goals and assists for Los Blancos and has played a key role in several successful campaigns. During his time in Madrid, he has helped the club win major domestic and European trophies, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

His pace, dribbling ability and attacking threat have made him a regular target for opposing defenses. His performances have also helped him become one of the most recognizable Brazilian players in European football.

Vinicius Jr Signs New Real Madrid Contract Until 2032

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future earlier in the summer, Vinicius ultimately committed his long-term future to Real Madrid.

The new agreement means the winger is now tied to the Santiago Bernabeu club until 2032, giving Real Madrid significant control over one of their key attacking players for the coming years.

The renewal also ended speculation that the forward could leave Madrid after his previous contract entered its final year.

Vinicius Jr’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign

Vinicius also represented Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Brazil reached the Round of 16 before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Norway.

The Real Madrid winger produced a productive individual tournament, scoring four goals and providing one assist in five appearances. He found the net in all three of Brazil’s group-stage matches as the Selecao finished top of their group.

Brazil then defeated Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32 before their campaign came to an end against Norway. The result marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since their Round of 16 elimination at the 1990 tournament in Italy.

Vinicius Returns to Real Madrid Action

Following the World Cup, Vinicius returned to Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations and featured in the club’s final warm-up matches before the new La Liga campaign.

Real Madrid subsequently opened their league season with a 2-1 victory away against Espanyol. Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi scored for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

While Canizares’ assessment has sparked debate over Vinicius’ transfer appeal, the winger’s new long-term contract shows that Real Madrid remain committed to him as an important part of their future plans.