Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has ignited a storm in the football community after revealing that Lucas Paquetá has chosen to join Manchester United rather than move to the Santiago Bernabéu even after heavy pressure from the Spanish giants and a heartfelt personal request from Vinicius himself.
The winger, who shares a deep bond with Paquetá from their time together with the Brazilian national team, admitted he was shocked to discover that the midfielder had long ago made up his mind, well before Madrid made their late but aggressive push for him.
Sources close to the Seleção stated that Vinicius felt genuinely emotional about the decision. He reportedly confided in those around him that he had pleaded with Paquetá to come to Spain so they could chase trophies side by side.
But instead of hearing enthusiasm, Vinicius was told that Paquetá had already committed his future to Manchester. The revelation left him feeling blindsided, disappointed, and hurt.
His reaction has since created intense debate in both Brazil and Europe, with supporters split some sympathising with Vinicius, while others insist Paquetá has every right to choose his own career path regardless of friendship or pressure.
People close to the West Ham United star say he has been quietly leaning toward a move to Old Trafford for several months.
Paquetá supposedly believes that Manchester United can offer him something he is unlikely to receive elsewhere: a leadership role at the heart of a major rebuild.
He views the club’s vision as an opportunity to help shape a new era, beginning as early as the January transfer window.
Even though Real Madrid launched a strong late bid to bring him to LaLiga, Paquetá allegedly told his closest associates that he wants a fresh challenge and feels more appreciated by the Manchester United project.
The Red Devils have been monitoring him for a long time, and the club is now ready to make a significant financial commitment to secure his signature.
The transfer fee is expected to reach around £70 million including add-ons — a figure that would make Paquetá one of the most expensive South American players ever signed by a Premier League side.
United’s board reportedly sees him as the missing link in their midfield, someone who can introduce creativity, tenacity, and balance to a department that has suffered from instability for years.
Vinicius Jr’s emotional disappointment has only heightened the drama surrounding the transfer. While a section of Real Madrid fans have defended him and accused Paquetá of betrayal, others argue no player is obliged to join a club simply because of personal relationships.
Meanwhile, Manchester United supporters have taken Vinicius’s frustration as an indirect compliment, interpreting it as proof of Paquetá’s elite quality and importance.
With negotiations nearing completion, Manchester United are focused on finalising the last details before the January window opens.
Despite their frustration, Real Madrid are expected to back away quietly, as Paquetá’s stance has been firm and unmistakable.
Unless something changes dramatically, he is set to become the next Brazilian to arrive at Old Trafford choosing a new adventure in England over the glamour of Madrid and even the heartfelt plea of Vinicius Jr.
