Will Vinícius leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia in 2025? Brazilian contemplating future

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has been offered the most lucrative contract in soccer history by the Saudi Pro League. While the Brazilian and the LaLiga giants have made it clear he won’t be going anywhere this summer, ESPN claims he hasn’t rejected the Saudi Arabia’s advances entirely and has left the door open to a move in 2025.

Madrid have rejected any suggestion Vinícius would be leaving the club in the current transfer window, which could only happen if an interested party were to pay his €1 billion ($1.12 billion) release clause. The player himself feels he is in with a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this year and believes his best opportunity to do so is with Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

However, Saudi chiefs are hopeful the Spanish club will be more open to negotiating a move in 2025, at which point he will have two years left on his contract. The winger is expected to make a definitive decision about a potential transfer at the end of the season.

How much has Vinícius been offered to play in the Saudi Pro League? Which team would he play for?

Vinícius has been offered €350 million ($392.27 million) per season by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, who own 75% stakes in Al-Ahli, Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad, Neymar’s Al-Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

The proposal is for the Brazilian to play for Al-Ahli and become an ambassador for Saudi soccer ahead of the 2034 World Cup. If he were to sign the deal, he would surpass Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar as the highest-paid player on the planet, and the best-paid of all time.

Vinícius hesitant over Real Madrid contract extension

Real Madrid are hoping to extend Vinícius’ current contract beyond 2027. ESPN say, however, his representatives have told his current employers he would prefer to hold off for now, allowing him time to consider his future options during the season.

With Saudi Arabia pushing, the 15-time European champions know a huge offer will be required to convince the 24-year-old to stay.

Vinícius has become a hugely important player for Los Merengues under Ancelotti, as well as big fan favourite. The Brazil international has scored 83 goals and provided 77 assists in 266 games for the club, with two of his strikes coming in the two Champions League finals he has played in.