According to the latest reports, senior officials from the Saudi Professional League are preparing to make a record-breaking offer of up to €350 million (approximately £302 million) for Real Madrid star Vinícius, which would surpass the world transfer record set by Neymar in 2017 (£200 million).
Although Vinícius has publicly stated his desire to stay at the Bernabéu and has held talks with Real Madrid over a new contract, no official signing has been completed so far, and the two parties have still not reached a final agreement. This prolonged uncertainty has attracted significant attention from the Saudi side.
Contacts between the Saudi side and Vinícius have lasted for more than a year, and the relevant negotiations are not a hasty move. Insiders revealed that their goal is to successfully sign the Brazilian star within three years, and they have submitted to the player a draft of an intentional five-year contract with a total value of approximately €1 billion (around £864 million), including huge bonus clauses.
It is reported that if Vinícius joins, he will be assigned to Asian Champions League winners Al-Ahli, a club that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Ministry of Sports believe "deserves the next superstar". Previously, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have joined other PIF-controlled clubs, making Al-Ahli a popular choice for the next superstar to settle.
Although Real Madrid and Vinícius remain calm for now, and the player's contract runs until 2027, the Saudi side has made it clear that regardless of whether they succeed this summer, they will continue their efforts to sign Vinícius before the 2027/28 season, when he will be in his prime.
