Saudi Arabia is making headlines with its ambitious plans to secure Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, reportedly preparing a staggering €300 million bid for the Brazilian forward as part of a broader strategy to enhance the Saudi Pro League’s global profile.
This potential transfer, which aims to break existing records, comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to attract top-tier talent to its league.
Record-Breaking Bid
According to reports, Saudi clubs are set to present an offer that exceeds £261 million (€300 million), surpassing Neymar’s world-record transfer fee of £222 million from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
The proposed deal not only includes this unprecedented transfer fee but also features a lucrative five-year contract for Vinícius, estimated at around £173 million (€200 million) per season, totaling approximately £865 million (€1 billion) over the contract’s duration.
Club Interest and Strategy
While no formal negotiations have taken place yet, clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ahli are leading the charge in this pursuit.
Al Hilal has emerged as a strong contender following the departure of Neymar, aiming to fill the void with a marquee signing like Vinícius.
Al Ahli had previously shown interest in the player during last summer’s transfer window but was met with resistance from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Stance
Real Madrid has firmly stated that Vinícius is not for sale unless his €1 billion release clause is triggered.
The club is reportedly looking to extend his contract, which currently runs until 2027, and increase his salary, reflecting their commitment to retaining the talented winger.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti emphasized that while he understands players’ decisions regarding transfers, he believes Vinícius is focused on winning trophies with Madrid rather than pursuing financial incentives.
Broader Implications for Saudi Football
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to elevate the status of its domestic league by attracting global superstars.
Following high-profile signings such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, securing Vinícius would represent a significant milestone in this strategy.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Saudi Arabia can successfully entice one of football’s brightest talents away from Madrid.
With Vinícius currently enjoying a successful season at Real Madrid—scoring 17 goals in 27 appearances—his future remains uncertain amid these lucrative offers.
The football world watches closely as developments unfold regarding this potential record-breaking transfer.
