Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that Vinicius Junior might have been better off leaving the Santiago Bernabeu during the summer transfer window amid interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.

The Brazil international was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium before eventually committing his future to the Spanish giants by signing a contract extension until 2032.

However, Mourinho believes the 26-year-old could have benefited from a fresh start elsewhere, particularly at a club where he would feel more appreciated.

Arsenal considered making an ambitious move for Vinicius following their Premier League triumph last season, although a transfer never materialised.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga encounter with Sevilla, Mourinho suggested he might have made a different decision had he been in the winger’s position.

What Mourinho Said

“If I were (Vinicius), in his place, I probably wouldn’t be here,” Mourinho said, as quoted by talkSPORT via ESPN.

“Last summer I would have forced my exit to a league, to a country, to clubs and stadiums where they’d respect him.

“But because he’s a Madrid fan, he has love for the club and the city, he believes things can always improve, he renewed, and he’ll keep that smile.

“I think there’s nothing or no-one that can take that away, that joy for living and working. He’s a great boy.”

When clarifying what he said, Mourinho added: “When he signed that contract, he signed it because Madrid is his home, and Real Madrid is his home. He’s one of the main sources of joy in that dressing room.

“What I said before was that I doubt I’d be able – as a player with lots of options – I doubt whether I’d be able to have his psychological strength, to hold on.”

Vinicius’ Performances Have Massively Dropped

Vinicius’ decision to stay has not been followed by the kind of performances supporters have come to expect from him.

The Brazilian has managed just one goal and three assists in ten appearances across all competitions this season.

His only goal of the campaign came during Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on August 26.

The winger’s difficult start to the season was compounded by his dismissal during Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal last weekend.

Vinicius was shown a red card after pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair, with his angry reaction to the decision resulting in an additional suspension.

The Spanish football authorities subsequently handed him a four-match ban, comprising two matches for the incident and another two for his protests.

Consequently, the former Flamengo youngster will miss Sunday’s encounter with Sevilla and the highly anticipated El Clasico against Barcelona.

He will also be unavailable for Madrid’s league fixtures against Racing Santander and Valencia.

Despite his recent difficulties, Vinicius remains one of football’s highest earners.

According to Forbes, the Brazilian is the fifth-highest-paid footballer in the world in 2026, with estimated earnings of $76 million (£57 million).