Vini Jr linked with shock Premier League move as Real Madrid tensions boil over

Just one day after Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde’s training ground bust-up, star man Vinícius Jr is being linked with a move away from Real Madrid amid interest from a surprise Premier League side.

On Thursday (May 7), it emerged that the two Real midfielders had been embroiled in an altercation which resulted in Valverde being taken to hospital for treatment on a head injury.

The injury will keep him out of Sunday’s clash against Barcelona and, according to the Uruguayan, was caused when he “accidentally hit a table”, causing a “small cut” on his forehead.

Real have since opened disciplinary proceedings against both players and, in a statement, explained how Valverde had suffered cranioencephalic trauma, a type of concussion.

In a statement posted to his Instagram account, the 27-year-old said: “At no point did my team-mate hit me, and I didn't hit him either, although I understand it's easier for you to believe we came to blows or that it was intentional, but that didn't happen.

“I feel that my anger about the situation, my frustration at seeing some of us struggling to get through the end of the season on our last legs, giving it our all, pushed me to the point of arguing with a team-mate.

“I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry because this situation hurts me; this moment we're going through is painful. Real Madrid is one of the most important things in my life, and I can't just turn a blind eye to it.

“The result is a build-up of things that culminate in a senseless fight, damaging my image and leaving room for doubt – for people to fabricate stories, slander me, and sensationalise an incident.

“I have no doubt that any disagreements we might have off the field cease to exist on it, and if I have to defend the team inside a stadium, I'll be the first to do so.”

There have also been reports of a feud between full-back Álvaro Carreras and centre-back Antonio Rüdiger.

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Vini Jr gaining interest from Premier League clubs

So, what does the situation mean for the rest of the squad?

Well, according to TEAMtalk, Brazilian forward Vinicius may be plotting a move away from the Santiago Bernabéu, with Premier League side Manchester City closely monitoring his situation.

The Brazilian currently has just 12 months left on his contract, with discussions about an extension hitting a snag in 2025.

The 25-year-old has registered 21 goals and 14 assists for Los Blancos this term, although he has failed to reach the heights of previous years, having been a Ballon d’Or contender back in 2024.

If he were to join City, he may have to forget about his less-than-positive relationship with Pep Guardiola’s side following the 2024 Ballon d’Or debacle.

Real thought the Brazilian deserved the award and ended up boycotting the Paris ceremony after finding out City midfielder Rodri was going to pick up the prize.

Just a few months later, the sides met in the Champions League, with City fans unveiling a banner of Rodri with the Ballon d’Or alongside the message ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’.

After the match, Vini said: “I saw it, I saw the banner. Whenever the opposing fans do things like that, they give me more strength to have a great game, and here I have done it.”

Now, over 12 months on, Vini’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu appears uncertain, with sources suggesting the failure to sign a new deal at Real will likely lead to a summer transfer.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the situation, although City are reported frontrunners to acquire the player’s signature.