Fresh Vinicius Jr rumours after €1 billion contract talk
Ambitious outfits from that part of the world have previously seen a move for Vinicius speculated on. When he was at the peak of his powers, as a leading contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, it was suggested that the South American could be handed a contract worth €1 billion (£868m/$1.2bn). No deal was done, but the rumours remain.
There is still the possibility of Vinicius following ex-Real Madrid superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Middle East. He has registered five goals and four assists through 10 appearances this season, but has seen Kylian Mbappe become the main man at Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius Jr contract: Real Madrid may listen to offers
Real have plenty of alternative attacking talent at their disposal and are forever in the market for ‘Galactico’ additions. Bringing in huge money for Vinicius would allow them to reinvest in other areas of Xabi Alonso’s squad.
A sale may just happen, with Sky Sports claiming that: “Vinicius Junior is no longer untransferable to Real Madrid! The club is reportedly seriously considering a sale to Saudi Arabia next summer. The expected amount? No less than €250 million for the Brazilian star. A scenario that seemed unthinkable just a few months ago.”
Vinicius is only tied to a contract in Spain through to the summer of 2027, meaning that some big decisions on his future are fast approaching. If he were to indicate that no extension will be signed, then Real would have little choice but to open themselves up to offers.
It has been claimed that Al-Ahli are in “direct talks” with representatives of the Brazilian superstar. They are supposedly prepared to table a bid that would eclipse the world-record €222m (£193m/$257m) transfer that took Neymar away from Barcelona and over to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
Confidence in Saudi Pro League that deal can be done
Leading figures in the Middle East have previously stated their confidence when it comes to bringing Vinicius on board. Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, told Marca in January 2025: “We don't have dreams, it's a matter of time and negotiation. Foreign players have always been part of Saudi teams. In recent years, the number of possible foreign players in teams has changed. This season we have included the number of eight plus two others under 21 years of age.
“It has always been in the DNA of this league to bring in players from outside to make it more attractive. What has changed massively, especially in the last two years, has been the quality of the players who come. Benzema, among others, create a bigger impact, both nationally and internationally.”
Al-Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes, who once filled a similar position at Barcelona, told Marca in July of Vinicius treading the same path as Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo: “I don't rule it out.
“I think it's part of the idea and plan to be one of the most powerful leagues in the world. The World Cup has been a good test for the Saudi league. Within that plan, to allow players to come at an important point in their careers, Vinícius could be included.
“He has everything in his favor. If you analyse the profile of the player who comes, even in our team, last summer we made a lot of moves and were market shakers. Players like Steven Bergwijn, [Houssem] Aouar, Moussa Diaby are coming. Players who are 25, 26, 27 years old, in good moments of their careers. Plus, the youngsters we're banking on, like Unai Hernández or Mario Mitaj. I don’t rule it out at all…and Vinícius certainly has all the conditions to join this league.”
What next for Vinicius Jr? Brazil duty & return to Madrid
Vinicius remains on Real Madrid’s books for now and will be looking to help them cement a standing at the top of La Liga when returning to domestic action against Getafe on Sunday - with Vini currently away with the Brazil national team as they play friendly fixtures in Asia.