According to a source close to the situation as reported by ESPN, Vinícius Júnior will not be making a decision regarding a potential move to Saudi Arabia until the end of the current season. This decision comes amidst interest from the Saudi Pro League in the Real Madrid star. Despite the interest, Madrid is reluctant to see him leave and has made efforts to keep him at the club.
The source revealed that the main reason behind Vinícius Júnior’s delay in making a decision is the possibility of winning this year’s Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award seems to be a significant factor in his considerations regarding his future.
Representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have engaged in discussions with both Vinícius and Madrid regarding a possible deal. While no formal offer was presented to the club, talks included an annual salary discussion of up to €350 million for the player. Madrid, however, stood firm on the value of Vinícius’ release clause this summer and did not engage in negotiations below that.
As of now, it seems that Madrid may be more open to negotiating a reduced fee in 2025, when Vinícius will only have two years remaining on his contract. The proposal from Saudi Arabia included playing for Al Ahli and becoming a football ambassador for the country leading up to the 2034 World Cup.
Vinícius’ representatives have reportedly informed Real Madrid that the player is not interested in renewing his contract at this time. If the Saudi deal were to go through, Vinícius would become the highest-paid athlete in sports. Since his arrival at Madrid in 2018, Vinícius has already won two Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Vinícius Júnior’s potential move to Saudi Arabia remains uncertain as he weighs his options and considers the impact on his career. The decision will likely have significant implications for both Real Madrid and the player himself.