Real Madrid's first offer of a new contract to Vinicius Junior has reportedly been rejected, with the winger linked to the Saudi Pro League.
Los Blancos have been somewhat resurgent of late given they have won 11 of their past 13 fixtures in all competitions whereas they had lost four, drawn one and won five of their prior 10.
Indeed, despite suffering numerous injury setbacks, Real lead the way in La Liga ahead of rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, though they only boast one and four-point advantages over them respectively.
Despite their strong domestic position, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has come under fire for his side's performances in Europe, with the team needing to beat Manchester City in a two-legged playoff tie this month in order to advance to the Champions League round of 16.
In another headache for Ancelotti, The Athletic report that star winger Vinicius Junior has rejected the club's first contract offer, fuelling speculation that Saudi Pro League sides could renew their interest in the Brazilian.
© Imago
Vinicius Junior's situation at Real assessed
The 24-year-old has so far scored eight goals and registered five assists in just 16 La Liga appearances, whereas he managed to produce 15 goals and five assists last term.
He has also found the back of the net seven times in six Champions League games this season, one more than he scored in the entirety of his side's winning campaign in 2023-24.
Vinicius Junior is out of contract in the summer of 2027 and currently contains a release clause of £830m, a fee that would likely even put off interested parties from the Saudi Pro League.
However, the Brazilian is reportedly reluctant to sign a new deal unless his current annual salary - which is said to be £12.48m after tax - more accurately reflects the fact he is arguably one of the world's best players.
Considering the winger has been so productive in front of goal, it would be difficult to justify losing him when he has proven his ability to consistently deliver at the highest level irrespective of his wage demands.
© Imago
Is Kylian Mbappe making the Saudi Pro League more tempting for Vinicius Junior?
Vinicius Junior scored just three times in his first 11 games of the season for Real Madrid, with the winger having to adjust to life with Kylian Mbappe by his side.
The Frenchman has often been seen drifting from his central position to the left side of the pitch and occupying the same areas that the Brazilian prefers to operate in.
Mbappe has only scored three goals in the Champions League - though he has scored 15 in La Liga - but he is viewed by some as being Real Madrid's talisman ahead of Vinicius Junior.
Given he has already won two Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles and two FIFA Club World Cups, Vinicius Junior may feel that a battle to be the star man at Real is unnecessary, and could be drawn to the potential earnings on offer in Saudi Arabia.
Lewis Nolan
