Manchester City have been linked with a shock move for Real Madrid starlet Vinicius Junior. 

Spanish media outlet El Nacional claims the Citizens are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old as they look to replace Ferran Torres, who joined Barcelona for £55m earlier this month. 

It comes as no surprise to see interest increasing in Vinicius, with the tricky winger playing a pivotal role in Los Blancos’ impressive form over the first half of this season. 

But could he really be prized away from the Bernabeu? Let’s take a look at the situation.

The numbers behind Vinicius’ breakthrough season on the big stage

Vinicius has had the ‘wonderkid’ tag on his head since his move to the Spanish capital from Flamengo in 2018, but this season has proven to be his breakthrough year on the big stage. 

Although the Brazilian has been actively involved with Real Madrid’s first team over the past couple of campaigns, he’s now taken his game to another level domestically and in the Champions League. 

He scored just six goals and laid on seven assists in 49 games last season, which was his previous best return over the course of a campaign. 

But, with this season only just past the halfway stage, the youngster has already smashed that tally, finding the net 15 times and assisting his teammates on 10 occasions in 30 appearances. 

Would a move to Manchester City make sense for Vinicius?

There’s no doubt a move to Manchester City is at least worth considering for any player, whether that be to either progress their career or improve their financial situation. 

The Citizens have a squad packed with talented players, a world-class manager in Pep Guardiola, and win multiple trophies every single season. 

But while they can match Real Madrid on the pitch, they are miles behind the Spaniards in terms of club stature. 

Vinicius is playing the best football of his relatively short career under Carlo Ancelotti and is one of the first names on the team sheet. 

A move to the Premier League wouldn’t necessarily provide that same luxury. Manchester City have Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus and emerging talent Cole Palmer all capable of playing out wide. 

While the Brazilian would be able to hold his own amongst that group, Guardiola does like to rotate regularly, meaning first-team football isn’t always a guarantee – even for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne. 

Why must Real Madrid keep hold of Vinicius? 

Vinicius’ numbers and upturn in form under Ancelotti speak for themselves. 

Alongside Karim Benzema, he is absolutely crucial to this Real Madrid side and it would be incredibly difficult to replace him. 

Not only that but, while moving to the likes of Manchester City doesn’t provide a threat domestically, it would strengthen a side that challenges in the latter stages of the Champions League just about every year. 

Los Blancos can take comfort though in the fact the winger’s contract doesn’t run out until 2025 and it includes a whopping £592.5m release clause. 

But they will be desperate to avoid another Robinho situation after he forced a move to the Manchester club back in 2008 following a breakdown in contract talks at the Bernabeu. 

While Vinicius isn’t threatening to leave and is keen on staying in Madrid, he is believed to be one of the lowest paid players in the squad – earning a reported £60,000 a week. 

That will almost certainly have to change in the near future if they’re to keep hold of one of their prized assets over the long term.