Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is reportedly considering a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, according to a source close to the situation.
The 24-year-old Brazilian forward has become one of the key players for Real Madrid, leading them to a Champions League and LaLiga double last season and emerging as a strong candidate for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Saudi Interest in Vinícius Jr.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has expressed interest in bringing Vinícius to the Gulf country. Talks have been held between the PIF and Real Madrid, but no formal offer has been made yet.
The Saudi PIF, which owns 75% of the capital in the country’s four main football clubs – Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr – is keen on making Vinícius a central figure in their footballing project. The plan includes making him an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Real Madrid’s Position
Real Madrid is reportedly reluctant to let Vinícius go, especially given his importance to the team. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Vinícius has become a vital player, scoring crucial goals in two Champions League finals and netting 24 goals across all competitions in the 2023-24 season.
The club would expect to receive Vinícius’ buyout clause, which is set at €1 billion. However, for the deal to proceed, Real Madrid might need to consider accepting a transfer fee below this value.
Vinícius’ Decision
The financial aspect of the Saudi offer is significant, with reports suggesting an annual salary of up to €350 million ($382.5 million) being discussed.
This staggering figure has not yet been dismissed by Vinícius, who is reportedly weighing the potential move. His contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2027, giving both the player and the club time to consider the offer carefully.
For now, Vinícius remains a Real Madrid player, but the possibility of him joining the growing list of high-profile players moving to the Saudi Pro League is something to watch closely in the coming weeks.
