Saudi Arabia Prepares €1 Billion Bid to Lure Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly finalizing a record-breaking €1 billion ($1.08 billion) offer to sign Real Madrid’s star winger, Vinicius Jr., in a move that could reshape the global football landscape. The proposed deal, aimed at bolstering the Saudi Pro League (SPL) ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, includes a staggering €350 million transfer fee for Real Madrid and a five-year contract for the 24-year-old Brazilian, paying €200 million annually, plus bonuses. The package also positions Vinicius as a potential ambassador for the 2034 World Cup. Despite the astronomical figures, both Vinicius and Real Madrid remain focused on extending his current contract, though negotiations have sparked intense speculation.

Details of the Saudi Offer

According to reports from Reuters, Forbes, and AS, the PIF, which owns 75% of the SPL’s top clubs—Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr—has been in discussions with Vinicius’s representatives since 2023. The latest proposal, detailed on X by journalist Ben Jacobs, includes:

• €350 million transfer fee to Real Madrid, surpassing the current world record of €222 million set by Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar in 2017.
• €200 million annual salary (tax-free) for Vinicius over five years, totaling €1 billion, making him the highest-paid footballer in history.
• A 10-year ambassadorial role for the 2034 World Cup, with financial terms still under negotiation.

The offer, primarily linked to Al Ahli but with Al Hilal also mentioned as a potential destination, reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to elevate the SPL’s global profile by attracting elite talent like Vinicius, who joins the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad), and Neymar (Al Hilal).

Vinicius Jr.’s Stance and Real Madrid’s Position

Vinicius, whose contract with Real Madrid runs until 2027 with a €1 billion release clause, has expressed happiness at the club, where he won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in 2024, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 matches. Despite this, sources close to the player indicate he has not outright rejected the Saudi offer, allowing PIF to approach Real Madrid to discuss terms. Talks held in Prague and London in 2024, as reported by The Athletic, emphasized the deal’s unprecedented financial and ambassadorial opportunities.

Real Madrid, however, has consistently pointed to Vinicius’s release clause, signaling reluctance to negotiate below €1 billion. The club is actively negotiating a contract extension until 2030, offering a net salary exceeding €20 million per season, though Vinicius’s camp initially sought €30 million. Reports from Goal and The Athletic suggest an extension is close, with Vinicius prioritizing sporting success, including a potential Ballon d’Or, over the Saudi offer. His teammate Rodrygo recently affirmed Vinicius’s commitment to Real Madrid after a Champions League match.

Saudi Arabia’s Broader Strategy

Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of Vinicius aligns with its Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, which has seen PIF invest heavily in the SPL. High-profile signings like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar have already elevated the league, but Vinicius, at the peak of his career, would be a landmark acquisition. The PIF’s earlier attempt to sign Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in 2024, underscores their focus on marquee players to boost the 2034 World Cup’s global appeal. X posts reflect mixed sentiment, with users like @Markafc87 calling the offer “irresistible” at €5 billion total, while others, like @rezfcb, speculate Vinicius might consider it due to the financial scale.

Challenges and Implications

A move to the SPL could jeopardize Vinicius’s Ballon d’Or aspirations, as the league’s competitive level is perceived as lower than La Liga. Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, views Vinicius as integral to the club’s “superteam” alongside Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, but the club’s openness to a transfer if the release clause is met echoes past departures of Ronaldo and Benzema to Saudi clubs. The deal’s timing, with Vinicius entering the final two years of his contract by 2026, adds pressure, as Real Madrid risks losing him for a lower fee or as a free agent if no extension is secured.

Outlook

While Saudi Arabia’s €1 billion bid represents a historic financial benchmark, Vinicius’s focus on competitive success and Real Madrid’s firm stance suggest he is likely to stay, at least for now. Ongoing contract talks, expected to conclude soon, could solidify his future at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, the PIF’s persistent interest, backed by comments from SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel that a deal is “a matter of time,” keeps the possibility alive. As the 2025 summer transfer window approaches, the football world awaits Vinicius’s decision, which could redefine transfer market dynamics.