Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr is reportedly considering a lucrative offer exceeding one billion euros from Saudi Arabia, according to sources close to the player speaking to Reuters. At 24, Vinicius has been approached by officials from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to gauge his interest in joining the Saudi Pro League (SPL) on a five-year contract worth approximately 200 million euros per season, plus potential bonuses. The deal would also entail a separate 10-year ambassadorial role for the 2034 World Cup, planned to be hosted in Saudi Arabia, though these specific terms and financial details are still under discussion.
No formal offer has been officially made, yet Vinicius has not rejected the proposal and has authorized PIF to initiate talks with Real Madrid. Despite his contentment and motivation in Madrid, Vinicius and his team feel that such a substantial offer warrants thorough examination. A source close to the player also noted that Real Madrid has shown no inclination to negotiate a transfer, emphasizing the player's one billion euro release clause. Neither Real Madrid nor PIF has commented on the matter.
Saudi Arabia, demonstrating significant global football ambitions, has launched a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project, under which PIF has acquired 75% of the capital of the nation's four major clubs: Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr. The most notable Saudi transfer involved Al Hilal, who invested 90 million euros to acquire forward Neymar from Paris St Germain. With Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, PIF previously attempted to lure France captain Kylian Mbappe to Al Ahli, though he declined the offer and joined Real Madrid in June. The offer for Vinicius is believed to mirror that made to Mbappe. If accepted, the Brazilian would join Al Ahli, potentially aligning with former Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.
Currently under contract until 2027, following an extension signed in 2022, Vinicius is a strong candidate for the Ballon d'Or after contributing to Real Madrid's Champions League and La Liga victories last season.
