Vinicius Jr Says No to Public Investment Fund Representatives Lucrative Offer to Leave Real Madrid
Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has rejected an offer to join the Saudi Pro League. It is not clear which of the four Saudi Public Investment Fund-owned clubs were interested in the player, but a deal will not be possible, at least for this summer.
Having joined Real Madrid in 2018 from Flamengo for $49 million, Vinicius has been a revelation in the Spanish capital. In 263 appearances in all competitions, he’s scored 93 goals, helping the team win two FIFA Club World Cups, two Champions Leagues, and three La Liga titles. Playing mainly off the left wing, Vinicius is an integral member of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
The Saudi approach reportedly came from a PIF delegation that reached out to his representatives and proposed a lucrative offer. Part of that offer was the opportunity to become the face of the league as the 2034 World, which Saudi Arabia will host, approaches.
The thinking behind the proposal is that with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe (a Saudi Pro League target last summer), the competition upfront may lead to less playing time for Vinicius, and he would be receptive to a change. However, manager Ancelotti has addressed those concerns in the past, noting that he will have no problem fitting both players into his starting 11.
The door is not completely closed on getting the 24-year-old Brazilian to the Saudi Pro League. However, with his current deal with Real Madrid containing a $1 billion release clause, it would be almost impossible to sign him before his deal runs out in 2027. With Vinicius Jr happy at Real Madrid and the club unwilling to even consider the possibility of letting go of their prized asset, a move to the Saudi Pro League has a very minimal chance of happening.
