Vinicius Jr has decided his future at Real Madrid as Saudi Arabia's interest in the Brazilian forward wanes during contract negotiations.
Vinicius Junior has decided his Real Madrid future as Saudi Pro League interest in the Brazilian wanes.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Saudi Pro League representatives first held talks with Vinicius Junior in 2023 regarding a potential €1 billion (£840m) transfer deal. Their pursuit intensified last summer, though the Brazilian chose to delay discussions about his future at that time.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to ESPN, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) has now cooled its pursuit of the Real Madrid star and has not contacted his representatives since December 2024. Previously, Saad Al Lazeez, then the SPL’s vice chairman, acted as the primary liaison between the league and the player. However, Al Lazeez stepped down from his position last month.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the report, Real Madrid opened contract negotiations in February by proposing to maintain Vinicius’ current after-tax salary of €17 million annually (£14m/$18.6m). The Brazilian’s representatives countered with a substantially increased wage request, to which the La Liga titleholders have not yet formally responded. Notably, the 23-year-old’s existing contract remains valid for two more seasons.
WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Real Madrid return to Champions League action on Tuesday with a crucial quarter-final first leg clash against Arsenal at the Emirates.
