Saudi Arabia plans record-breaking €300mln move for Vinícius Júnior

Saudi Arabia is preparing a record-breaking bid to secure the services of Real Madrid's star forward, Vinícius Júnior, in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Sources indicated that Saudi clubs are ready to surpass the £261 million (€300 million) transfer fee previously set by Paris Saint-Germain’s signing of Neymar from Barcelona in 2017. The bid is expected to be the largest in football history, offering a monumental contract to the Brazilian winger.

Massive proposal for Vinícius

The potential deal for the 23-year-old is expected to include a salary that would make him the highest-paid player in football history. Reports suggest a five-year contract worth £173 million (€200 million) per season, tax-free, resulting in a staggering total package of £865 million (€1 billion) over the duration of the contract.

Though no formal discussions have yet taken place with Vinícius or his representatives, the Saudi Pro League is reportedly preparing to put forward an offer that could turn heads across the football world.

The ambitious move forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to elevate its domestic league to new heights, attracting global football superstars.

Al Hilal and Al Ahli show interest

While it remains unclear which Saudi club will secure the deal, Al Hilal, Riyadh's leading football team, appears to be a strong contender. After parting ways with Neymar, who is expected to return to Brazil, Al Hilal is looking to fill the void left by the Brazilian star’s departure. The club’s strategy has focused on signing high-profile players, and securing Vinícius could solidify its position as the league’s most dominant force.

Additionally, Al Ahli, based in Jeddah, had shown interest in Vinícius during the last summer transfer window, although Real Madrid had firmly rejected any talks at that time. Reports suggest that Vinícius himself was receptive to the offer made by the club, though no concrete deal was agreed upon.

Real Madrid's firm stance

Despite the growing interest from Saudi clubs, Real Madrid remains resolute in its stance regarding Vinícius Júnior. The Spanish giants have made it clear that they will not entertain any offers for the player unless they meet his €1 billion release clause. The club is also looking to extend the winger’s current contract, which runs until 2027, and offer him a significant salary increase in order to ward off potential suitors.

Vinícius, for his part, is reported to be content at the Spanish capital and is not actively seeking a move. The Brazilian has been in excellent form this season, with 17 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, helping Real Madrid remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.

The pursuit of Vinícius is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy to elevate the Saudi Pro League into a competitive global force. The league has already made waves by acquiring high-profile players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, and the addition of Vinícius would mark another significant milestone in this ambitious project.