“We’re going to sign Vinicius, no matter what”

The terms Saudi Arabia is offering Vinicius Jr. to lure him away have already been revealed in this newspaper: $1.08 billion over five seasons – a staggering $216 million net per year. It would be the most lucrative contract any athlete has ever signed. That is what’s on the table for the player.

As for Real Madrid, no formal offer could be made last summer when representatives of the Saudi investment fund backing the 2034 World Cup sought a meeting with the club. First, they approached Florentino Pérez, who declined and redirected them to José Ángel Sánchez. The meeting ultimately took place online, where Madrid’s general director flatly refused to negotiate, pointing them instead to Vinicius’ billion-dollar release clause.

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“We’re not in a rush,” the Saudis told the Brazilian’s representatives at the time. “We’ll approach this like a marathon – just like the one that ended with Mbappé at Real Madrid.”

That example is unsettling, as there is truth to it. Madrid first engaged with Kylian Mbappé in 2017 and only managed to sign him in 2024. Florentino understands the long game when it comes to securing top-tier talent. The club’s priority now is ensuring Vinicius doesn’t approach the end of his contract, which expires in 2027. That is why Madrid has already reached out to his agents, inquiring about the financial terms needed for a renewal. This is a clear sign that Madrid has no intention of parting ways with the most electrifying player in the world – Mbappé aside - and the current The Best award winner.

Saudi Arabia target summer move

According to AS, sources confirm that the Saudi offer remains on the table, but there has been no further action since last summer’s serious approaches. The only certainty is the promise that come June, Saudi Arabia will intensify its pursuit, knocking on Madrid’s door once again – this time with an official offer that could reach around $324 million. “We will sign him no matter what,” Saudi representatives have told Vinicius’ camp, keeping a close watch on the situation. And after his The Best award win, their desire to bring him to the Saudi Pro League has only grown.

Madrid’s decision to engage in renewal talks with Vinicius is a double-edged sword. The club is well aware that public discussions about salaries can create tension in the locker room, as players start comparing wages. However, Madrid cannot afford to let a player as vital as Vinicius feel undervalued, potentially running down his contract to leave for free in a couple of years - just as Mbappé did with PSG.

Hey Jude, what’s going on?

Madrid isn’t just dealing with Vinicius’ renewal. Jude Bellingham’s situation is also on the horizon. The English midfielder, whose contract runs until 2029, is not yet due for renewal, but his status as a star on the pitch must eventually be reflected in his salary. For Vinicius, however, Madrid knows one thing for certain: they struck gold when they signed him for just $48.6 million, and letting him go is out of the question. Finding a player of his caliber on the market is not just astronomically expensive—it’s virtually impossible.

The good news for Madrid is that the feeling is mutual. Vinicius knows his place is at Real Madrid. He remains hungry for trophies and individual accolades, and there is no better club to achieve that. But, armed with his performances and a genuine offer from Saudi Arabia, he is determined to secure the best possible terms for his renewal.

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