Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior has reportedly not ruled out a move to the Saudi Pro League in 2025, with the Brazilian currently not interested in entering into contract talks at Bernabeu.
Vinicius has scored 83 goals and registered 77 assists in 266 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions since making the move to the capital giants from Flamengo in July 2018.
The 24-year-old signed a contract extension with Los Blancos in October 2023, with his current terms running until June 2027, but there has been speculation surrounding his future this summer.
Vinicius will not be leaving Bernabeu in the current market, but there have been claims that he could depart next year, as Kylian Mbappe, who has started his Real Madrid career through the middle, prefers operating off the left, which is the position currently held by Vinicius.
Al-Ahli are said to lead the Saudi Arabian interest, and according to ESPN, Vinicius has been told that he could earn up to €350m (£296m) a year by making the switch to the lucrative division.
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Vinicius 'delays decision' on Real Madrid future
The report claims that Saudi Arabia want Vinicius to become an ambassador for the country ahead of the 2034 World Cup, while he would be offered a salary to make him the highest-paid player in world football.
Real Madrid have allegedly been informed by Vinicius' representatives that their client is not currently interested in discussing a new deal with the La Liga giants, as he is delaying a decision on his future until next summer.
There is a £1bn (£850m) release clause in Vinicius' current deal, but Los Blancos could potentially be willing to lower that fee next summer depending on how the 2024-25 campaign unfolds.
Vinicius allegedly was willing to entertain the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer, but Real Madrid made it clear that he would not be leaving in the current market.
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Is a move to Saudi Arabia realistic next summer?
Even taking into consideration the astronomical figures being mentioned, it would be a huge shock if Vinicius left European football behind at this stage of his career.
The Saudi Pro League has been able to entice some of the biggest names in world football, but Vinicius is currently one of the top three or four players in the game.
Money talks in football, though, and Vinicius has already won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Champions League crowns during his time at Bernabeu.
If Real Madrid enjoy more domestic and European success this season, then the Brazilian might believe that it is time for a change of scenery, and he could potentially spend a few years in the Saudi Pro League before returning to Europe in his late 20s.
Such a move would be a risk, though, and it will be fascinating to see how the situation develops over the next few months, with Mbappe having a key part to play in Vinicius's future.
Matt Law
