Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has had talks with Real Madrid about the transfer.
Vinicius Junior is the newest target for the Saudi Pro League, with the Real Madrid star considering an offer to relocate to the Gulf nation, as reported by ESPN, citing sources.
Vinicius, 24, was instrumental in guiding Los Blancos to a Champions League and La Liga double last season and is one of the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has held talks with Real Madrid regarding the potential transfer, though the La Liga giants are eager to keep their star player.
A source informed ESPN that no official offer has been made for Vinicius yet.
Vinicius scored 24 goals in all competitions for Madrid during the 2023-24 season and has become a key player since joining the club in 2018, with goals in two Champions League finals.
The Saudi PIF owns a 75% stake in the country’s four major clubs: Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr.
The idea behind the Saudi project is for Vinicius to be the nation’s ambassador for the 2034 World Cup.
According to a source, the Saudis have approached the Brazilian international’s representatives, offering an annual salary of up to €350 million (£300 million). The player has not yet rejected the proposal.
Real Madrid would expect to receive Vinicius’ buyout clause, which is set at €1 billion. The forward’s contract at the Bernabéu runs until June 2027.
A source close to the player told ESPN that for the deal to happen, Real Madrid would need to accept a transfer fee below the release clause value.
