Real Madrid’s prominent Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr is reportedly deliberating a groundbreaking transfer to the Saudi Pro League, with discussions hinting at a deal valued at €1bn ($1.1bn).
An undisclosed source mentioned that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reached out to the 24-year-old forward to gauge his interest in joining the Saudi football scene.
Should he accept, Vinicius Jr could be looking at an annual salary of approximately €200m ($220m) through to 2029.
Unprecedented Offer for Football Stardom
An intriguing part of the offer includes a decade-long contract for Vinicius Jr to be the face of the 2034 World Cup, which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia.
While no specific Saudi club has been pinpointed as his new home, PIF’s significant stakes in top clubs like Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr positions them as potential suitors.
Any transfer would likely necessitate a record-breaking payment to Real Madrid to release Vinicius Jr from his current team.
Real Madrid has expressed a desire to retain the star, who would play alongside recent signings such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, who has risen to prominence in the 2023-2024 season.
The star’s release clause is set at €1bn ($1.1bn), which must be met if Real Madrid chooses not to sell him willingly.
The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo 18 months ago showcased the Saudi Pro League’s ambition and financial capability, changing the landscape of speculation around such transfers.
Although previous attempts to secure players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe were unsuccessful, the recent acquisitions of sports icons like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Jordan Henderson have significantly altered Saudi Arabia’s football dynamics.