Vinicius Jr. makes decision on Real Madrid future amid Saudi interest

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has waned down interests on his future at Real Madrid amid strong links to the Saudi Pro League.

Vinicius Jr has eventually decided to stay at Real Madrid after Saudi Arabia pulled back on their interest in Brazilian forward amid contract talks.

High-profile personalities from the Saudi top-flight met with Vinicius Junior for the first time in 2023 to discuss a transfer that would see him sign a deal worth a potential €1 billion (£840m).

The executives then stepped up their interest last summer, but the player at that time decided to hold on any discussions on his future.

Per current reports from ESPN, the SPL have “cooled” their interest in the Madrid star, holding off any approach to the player’s representatives since December 2024.

Vinicius Jr is ready to commit to long term contract after Real Madrid’s initial talks (Image credit: Getty Images)

Reports indicate that Saad Al Lazeez, who served as the SPL’s vice chairman, was the point of contact between the league and the player. However, Al Lazeez resigned from his post last month to take up other important roles.

The report adds that Los Blancos initiated contract talks first in February this year and tabled an offer similar to the player’s current salary, €17m a year after tax.

However, Vinicius’ representatives then forwarded a counterproposal, which was significantly higher than what the club offered.

The Spanish champions are yet to respond to the player’s amended requests, with the 24-year-old still with two years left on his existing deal.

Vinicius Jr. will be in action to face Arsenal on Tuesday in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium.