Saudi Arabia’s Interest in Vinicius Júnior Remains Strong

Saudi Arabia has not forgotten about Vinicius Júnior, and the interest in the Brazilian forward remains alive and well. The sporting director of Al-Ittihad, Ramón Planes, has confirmed that discussions surrounding Vinicius have not faded since the initial rumors surfaced approximately two summers ago. As early as 2025, reports indicated that Vinicius had not completely dismissed the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia, particularly if negotiations for a contract extension with Real Madrid did not materialize.

During this period, there were already preliminary contacts between the player and representatives from the Saudi royal family. A video conference lasting around fifteen minutes was held, where Vinicius was presented with various economic, sporting, and social proposals that highlighted what a potential move could entail. Following this initial discussion, a face-to-face meeting took place in Prague between Vinicius’ agents and Saad Al Lazeez, the vice-president of the Saudi Pro League. The figures discussed during these talks were staggering; reports suggested a total package worth €1 billion over five seasons, equating to an astonishing €200 million per season for the player.

Saudi League’s Ambitious Goals

Saudi Arabia is actively working to enhance the attractiveness of its football league, particularly with the 2034 World Cup on the horizon—although the official hosting rights have yet to be assigned. The addition of a player of Vinicius’ caliber would send a resounding message about the ambitions of the Saudi Pro League. In an interview with Onda Cero, Ramón Planes acknowledged that “the file on Vinicius is still very much on our table.” He expressed optimism about attracting top-tier talent to Saudi Arabia’s growing football scene.

The Future for Vinicius

The potential for Vinicius to join Al-Ittihad or another Saudi club poses intriguing questions about his future at Real Madrid. Currently featuring prominently under head coach Carlo Ancelotti alongside star players like Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo, Vinicius has become an integral part of Madrid’s attacking lineup. His performances have been notable this season, contributing significantly to the team’s success in both domestic and European competitions.

As speculation continues to swirl around his future, one must wonder: could he really consider leaving one of the most prestigious clubs in football for an ambitious project in Saudi Arabia? With such lucrative offers on the table, it remains to be seen how this saga will unfold as both clubs and player weigh their options in the coming months.