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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian was recently the subject of a staggering €350 million (£296 million/$391 million) offer from the Saudi Pro League. While such an astronomical sum would turn many heads in the football world, the 24-year-old rejected the proposal in favour of a stay at Real Madrid. This is because Vinicius is focused on this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, where he is considered a frontrunner for the top honour, according to a report by Brazilian outlet Globo.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Saudi Pro League, backed by the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is determined to revise their offer next summer as they envision a long-term association with the player, combining his role as an athlete and as an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup. This strategic move aims to leverage Vinicius’ influence both on and off the field, potentially boosting Saudi Arabia’s global sports profile.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the grand plans, no official offer has yet been made to either Vinicius Jr. or Real Madrid. However, the €1 billion (£846m/$1.1bn) package for his tenure as a player remains valid and they are even willing to negotiate with Vinicius’ representatives. The talks are expected to include social and educational initiatives linked to Vinicius’ institute, indicating that the Saudis are keen on a partnership that extends beyond football.
WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?
The potential move to the Saudi Pro League has been linked to several top clubs, including PIF-owned Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr. While Al-Hilal remained the frontrunner this summer, the race remains wide-open among others as well. Nonetheless, the deal is far from complete and both parties should be prepared for a prolonged negotiation process as Real Madrid would resist losing one of their Galacticos until his €1bn (£846m/$1.1bn) release clause is activated.
GOAL