Reports are circulating that a Saudi Pro League side is preparing a massive deal for Real Madrid's Brazilian superstar, Vinicius Junior. The Saudi interest in the 24-year-old winger is not new, with discussions reportedly taking place as far back as 2023. Now, with uncertainty surrounding his contract situation at the Santiago Bernabéu, Saudi clubs are reportedly ready to test Real Madrid's resolve with an offer that could break all transfer records.
Vinicius Júnior's current contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2027, but negotiations for an extension have seemingly reached a standstill. While the player has expressed his desire to remain at Real Madrid for the long term, his salary demands are proving to be a sticking point. Vinicius reportedly wants to earn a similar amount to his teammate Kylian Mbappé, who is currently the highest earner at the club.
Saudi Pro League clubs, backed by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), are eager to add more world-class talent to their ranks. The league already boasts names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and they see Vinicius as another marquee signing to elevate the league's profile. Al-Ahli has been specifically mentioned as a potential destination for Vinicius.
The potential offer being prepared by the Saudi side is staggering. Reports suggest a transfer fee of around €350 million would be offered to Real Madrid. In addition to this, Vinicius would be presented with a five-year contract worth a reported €1 billion, including bonuses. This would make him the highest-paid player in the world, by far.
Real Madrid's stance on selling Vinicius has been firm in the past. They value him highly and were previously unwilling to consider any offers unless his €1 billion release clause was met. However, the stalled contract negotiations and the presence of Kylian Mbappé in the squad may have altered their position. There is a belief that Vinicius and Mbappé may not be able to play together effectively, potentially making Vinicius expendable.
Despite the allure of a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, several factors could keep Vinicius at Real Madrid. He has a strong connection with the club and has repeatedly stated his desire to stay. Also, remaining in European football gives him a better chance of winning individual awards like the Ballon d'Or. Furthermore, moving to Saudi Arabia could diminish his influence in the fight against racism, a cause he has passionately championed.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior. The Spanish club must decide whether to stick to their salary structure or risk losing one of their key players. Vinicius has to weigh the benefits of staying at a club where he is loved and successful against the life-changing wealth on offer in Saudi Arabia. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Vinicius Junior will be the next big name to join the Saudi Pro League revolution.
