REAL MADRID
Vinicius Jr happy to listen to Saudi Arabia’s offer
The Brazilian is not ruling out a move to the Middle East, but Madrid are yet to accept the offer.
The Saudis have timed their move perfectly to target Vini. Just as Real Madrid have sealed the signature of Mbappé, and after last season when Bellingham drew much of the attention away from Vinicius, the Brazilian star re-emerged in top form once Bellingham’s impact waned.
Given his recent performances, it’s more than reasonable to consider Vini as a strong candidate for the next Ballon d’Or. Even Vinicius and his entourage are shocked by the current developments: naturally, they don’t want to close any doors without first exploring all possibilities. While Vini is happy at Madrid, he is open to listening to what the Saudis have to offer, but only if Real Madrid agrees and the offer is worthwhile.
Saudi Arabia has managed to buy their way into sport
They say money can’t buy everything. Maybe not, but it can come close. Just ask Jon Rahm, who recently accepted a contract worth over 500 million euros to play in the LIV.
Or consider numerous footballers—not just Messi, who also represents Saudi Arabia, or Cristiano, Benzema, and Neymar, who have ended their careers there, but also players like Mahrez, Firmino, Kessié, Mendy, Mané, Fofana, Brozović, Alex Telles, Laporte, Koulibaly, and Bono, among others. Money has even persuaded Nadal to become an ambassador for the wealthy nation with an ambitious plan to improve its image through soccer, tennis, golf, and Formula 1.
With a long-term plan set by the state and no budget limit, they’re now eyeing Vinicius as the crown jewel: they view him as a strategic asset for the 2034 World Cup. Real Madrid should take note; money can’t buy everything, but it can buy almost everything.
Real Madrid’s season begins on August 16 with a game against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. They will take on the the Europa League winners in what is set to be the first game with Vini Jr and Kylian Mbappé on the pitch together. The Brazilian is expected to be there and to play the game.