Saudia Arabia calls

The situation has sparked debate about where Vinicius Junior will go next, with a particular door open for him in Saudi Arabia. The player’s group held talks with his agent and met with Saudi clubs last summer to discuss a possible move, but it ultimately failed to materialise. Like now, Real Madrid want to extend his contract, but Vinicius’s representatives have refused to talk to the club.

A few days ago, the media reported that Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal wanted Vinicius’ signature. The figure quoted was a €1 billion contract for Vinicius over four or five years. Their potential offer would be somewhere in the region of €300-400m for Real Madrid.

The Athletic also reported that representatives from Saudi Arabia approached the player’s entourage again in December, assuring them that the Saudis still wanted Vinicius to join the club next season. However, Vinicius has repeatedly said that he intends to stay at Real Madrid “forever”. Speaking after the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in October, Vinicius said: “I’m still only 24 years old. I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as I can to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived.”

Vinicius further reiterated his desire to stay with the La Liga giants last month after scoring his 100th goal in a 5-1 Champions League win over RB Salzburg. “For me, it’s very important to reach 100 goals and be part of the history of this club,” he told Real Madrid TV. “At 24 years old and after seven seasons, it’s very important for me and my whole family to make history. Hopefully I can continue here for many more years.”