Former Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has launched a sharp critique of Vinicius Junior, suggesting that the Brazilian forward lacked interest from top-tier clubs during the final year of his previous contract. Canizares remarked that “a smaller team like Newcastle could have him,” implying that the 26-year-old was not a target for elite European sides before he ultimately committed to a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu that runs until 2032.
While Premier League champions Arsenal were linked with a potential move for the attacker, the Gunners ultimately declined to submit a bid. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Vinicius has been a pivotal figure, accumulating a century of goals and assists while securing multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League trophies. However, his standing faced scrutiny following a difficult 2025-26 season, where Los Blancos finished behind Barcelona in the league and suffered a second consecutive defeat to their rivals in the Supercopa Espana final.
On the international stage, Vinicius participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He delivered a productive performance, tallying four goals and one assist in five matches. After topping their group—with Vinicius scoring in all three opening fixtures—Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32. Their campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 loss to Norway, marking Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Following his return from international duty, Vinicius rejoined Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for their final pre-season preparations. He was involved in the team’s recent 2-1 La Liga victory over Espanyol, a match that featured goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi as the club looks to move past their recent trophy drought. The report also notes that former Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares said that no team wanted Vinicius Junior as he entered the last 12 months of his Real Madrid deal this summer.
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