Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior weighs record Saudi offer amid Real Madrid resistance

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior is reportedly considering a monumental offer from the Saudi Pro League, Soccernet.football understands.

The 24-year-old Brazilian star, instrumental in Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga triumphs last season, is now on the radar of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has initiated discussions with Real Madrid, according to ESPN.

Though there has been no formal bid yet, the prospect of Vinícius making the move to the Gulf nation is gaining attention.

Saudi Arabia are keen to make him the face of their footballing ambitions, especially as they aim to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The PIF, which holds a significant stake in the kingdom’s top football clubs—Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr—has reportedly proposed an astronomical annual salary of up to €350 million ($382.5 million) to lure Vinícius.

Despite the substantial financial incentives, Real Madrid are reluctant to part with one of their most promising talents. The club has made it clear that any potential departure would require a transfer fee close to Vinícius’ staggering €1 billion buyout clause. However, it is believed that Madrid might consider a lower fee for the deal to materialize.

Vinícius, who has netted 24 goals in all competitions during the 2023-24 season, is seen as a crucial figure at the Bernabéu, where his contract runs until June 2027.