Saudi Arabia's Pro League Continues To Pursue Vinicius Junior

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) continues to express interest in getting Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

PIF officials first made contact about a possible deal for Vinicius last summer. ESPN reported that the Brazilian did not reject the approach even though no official offer was made.

Later, ESPN sources said that the PIF representatives - who controlled the top four clubs of the Saudi Arabian Pro League - again contacted Vinicius' team in December 2024.

Again, no concrete proposals have been submitted, but the talks are meant to keep contacts between the two camps and show Saudi Arabia's interest in Vinicius remains active.

Vinicius won the 2024 FIFA Player of the Year award and took second place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or after helping Madrid win La Liga doubles and Champions League titles last season.

The forward has a contract with Real Madrid until 2027 with a release clause of 1 billion euros.

ESPN first reported interest from the Saudi Arabian Pro League against Vinicius in August 2024.

PIF representatives approached the player representatives, submitting an initial proposal that would cover an annual salary of up to 350 million euros.

The player did not dismiss the idea and continued to open up possible deals in the future, but negotiations did not continue further.

ESPN reports again that there are receipts from Vinicius representatives for the move to take place, Real Madrid must be willing to accept costs less than the release clause figure of 1 billion euros.

Last summer, there were suggestions that Vinicius' possible goal was the Expert. However, the Marca newspaper reported on Sunday, January 19, 2025, that Al Hilal - who is currently at the top with the Saudi Arabian Pro League - was a candidate considering they needed a replacement for Neymar.

PIF has Al Ahli and Al Hilal, as well as Al Nassr - whose star player is Cristiano Ronaldo - and Al Ittihad, led by Karim Benzema.

"We didn't dream. It's a matter of time and negotiation," Saudi Arabia's Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel told Marca when asked about Vinicius' recruitment.