REAL MADRID
Real Madrid reject the offer of the century for Vini Jr
Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger is wanted by Al Ahly, who were prepared to break the world record to bring him to the Middle East.
Arabia have tried to tempt Vinicius Jr, but Real Madrid are responding with a resounding no. A Saudi-owned investment fund has made initial inquiries to Real Madrid about the player, but the club has firmly refused to engage in discussions, pointing to the player’s €1 billion release clause, which was set during Vinicius’ last contract renewal a couple of summers ago. The Brazilian forward is under contract until 2027.
Sources with full knowledge of the situation informed AS that Vinicius has not yet rejected any offers, as nothing concrete has been presented to him. He is awaiting further developments from the ongoing talks between Saudi representatives and Real Madrid. However, these sources indicate that it would be very difficult for him to decide to leave the club.
Saudi Arabia to break €200 million transfer offer record
AS can confirm that in the coming days, an astronomical offer will be submitted to the Real Madrid offices to try to sign Vinicius. While the exact amount is unknown, it is certain to far surpass the €200 million that Qatar paid Barcelona to bring Neymar to PSG, making it the most expensive transaction in football history. Real Madrid, however, have no intention of parting with the player.
The initial report by The Athletic broke the news, suggesting that Vinicius had already rejected the proposal. However, this is not the case. Sources close to Vinicius acknowledge that the decision now rests with Real Madrid, as the club will need to speak first. A delegation from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, acting on behalf of the country’s Ministry of Sports, is leading the negotiations. Saudi Arabia aim to significantly boost the Saudi Pro League by bringing in Vinicius, who would also serve as the face of their 2034 World Cup bid.
Following this, O Globo revealed further details of the deal, which is currently on hold. According to their report, Vinicius could sign a five-year contract worth over €1 billion, including salary and bonuses.
Real Madrid:
O Globo also report that Saudi Arabia’s negotiations with Real Madrid are focused on recruiting Vinicius for Al Ahli, a club that already boasts Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Ibañez, along with other stars such as Algerian Riyad Mahrez (formerly of Manchester City) and Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy (formerly of Chelsea).
With Neymar at Al Hilal, Benzema at Al Ittihad, and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, Vinicius would be Al Ahli’s marquee player, completing the quartet of clubs owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. However, Real Madrid have currently halted the operation, and are awaiting the astronomical offer that is expected to arrive within the next few hours.