Reports indicate that officials from the Saudi Pro League are contemplating a monumental, record-breaking offer to acquire Real Madrid`s star player, Vinicius Jr.
The 25-year-old Brazilian forward is reportedly a prime target for high-ranking figures in Saudi Arabia, especially as his contract discussions with Real Madrid have stalled.
Widely regarded as one of the elite talents in global football, Saudi negotiators, as per TalkSPORT, aim to entice the winger to their league during the peak of his career.
Sources suggest that Saudi officials are ready to table an astonishing offer of around £302 million to Real Madrid, hoping to persuade the Spanish giants to release Vinicius Jr.
This proposed sum would significantly surpass the existing transfer record of £200 million, set when Paris Saint-Germain acquired Neymar in 2017. Furthermore, it would exceed Al-Hilal`s unsuccessful £257 million attempt to sign Kylian Mbappé from PSG in 2023.
Saudi strategists are reportedly emboldened by the lack of any official confirmation regarding a new contract for Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid`s Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
Vinicius has been engaged in discussions for an extension, with his present contract slated to conclude in the summer of 2027.
Saudi authorities are reportedly adopting a patient strategy for this transfer, aiming to bring Vinicius Jr to their expanding league within the next three years, even if he commits to a new deal in Spain.
Al Ahli has been identified as his probable destination if he makes the move to Saudi Arabia. It is believed that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Saudi Ministry of Sport feel that Al Ahli is `due` to receive the next major football star.
While Vinicius Jr has publicly expressed his wish to remain with Real Madrid, the colossal contract offer reportedly presented by Saudi Arabia could potentially alter his decision.
Sources claim that the former Flamengo standout has received a non-binding written offer for a five-year contract valued at an astounding £866 million, inclusive of performance-related bonuses.
Such an agreement would establish Vinicius Jr as one of the highest-paid footballers globally, with estimated earnings of £475,000 per day or £3.3 million per week.
To contextualize this, Erling Haaland, currently the highest-paid player in the Premier League, earns more than five times less, with his Manchester City salary reported at £525,000 per week. Indeed, his earnings would break down to approximately £19,829 per hour and £330 per minute.
Last season, Vinicius recorded 22 goals and 19 assists for Real Madrid across 58 matches. He also secured the runner-up position in the 2024 Ballon d`Or awards, finishing behind Manchester City`s Rodri.
Saudi officials are reportedly eager to attract Vinicius to their league by the 2027/28 season at the very latest, aiming to secure his services during his peak performance years, not at the end of his career.
The Saudi Pro League has already successfully drawn some of the most prominent talents in international football, a key part of its ambitious strategy to become a leading global football power. Superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ivan Toney, and Sadio Mané are among the numerous high-profile players who have recently transferred to the league.
