Saudi Arabia offers €350M for Vinícius Jr

Saudi Arabia is continuing its relentless push to transform its domestic league into one of the most competitive in the world, a strategy that involves targeting some of the biggest names in European and global football.

Their latest focus, according to Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT, is none other than Vinícius Jr., the Brazilian star who has become a key figure for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team.

Reports indicate that Al Ahli, one of the leading clubs in Saudi Arabia's ambitious league project, is prepared to table a staggering offer of €350 million for the 23-year-old forward. This would be a groundbreaking bid, not only setting a new benchmark for transfer fees but also sending a clear message about Saudi Arabia's determination to attract the very best talent to their league.

Vinícius Jr. isn’t just being courted by Al Ahli. Two other Saudi giants, Al Nassr and Al Hilal, are also reportedly interested in the Real Madrid winger. Al Nassr, which already boasts global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Otávio, is looking to add further firepower to its squad. Meanwhile, Al Hilal, managed by Jorge Jesus and featuring stars like Rúben Neves, is also keen to secure Vinícius Jr.’s signature. Both clubs have the financial muscle and ambition to rival Al Ahli in this high-stakes pursuit.

Ben Jacobs, an established voice in football transfer reporting, has characterized the Saudi interest in Vinícius Jr. as "concrete and ambitious." However, he also clarified that "nothing is possible" at the moment, suggesting that while Saudi clubs may have identified Vinícius as a priority target, logistical and contractual hurdles remain significant. Real Madrid is unlikely to entertain any offers for one of their cornerstone players, especially considering his importance to the team and his long-term potential.

Vinícius Jr. has been a revelation for Real Madrid since his arrival as a teenager from Flamengo in 2018. Over the past few seasons, he has grown into one of the most dynamic and exciting wingers in world football. His pace, flair, and ability to deliver in crucial moments, such as his match-winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final, have made him a fan favorite and an essential part of Madrid’s attacking strategy.

For Saudi Arabia, attracting a player of Vinícius Jr.'s caliber would represent a massive coup and further solidify their league's growing reputation. In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has successfully lured big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar with lucrative contracts and promises of being part of a transformative project. Adding a young, world-class talent like Vinícius Jr. would not only enhance the league’s quality on the pitch but also increase its global visibility and marketability.

The €350 million offer reportedly being prepared by Al Ahli underscores the financial resources Saudi clubs have at their disposal. The proposed fee would surpass the current transfer record and place enormous pressure on Real Madrid to make a decision. However, it’s worth noting that Vinícius Jr. has consistently expressed his happiness at Real Madrid and his desire to continue achieving success with the club. Furthermore, Real Madrid sees him as a central figure in their long-term plans, both on and off the pitch.

The pursuit of Vinícius Jr. also reflects Saudi Arabia's broader strategy of diversifying its economy and promoting the country as a global sports hub. Football has been at the center of this initiative, with the Saudi Pro League emerging as a key platform for showcasing the country's ambitions. The league’s aggressive recruitment drive has already captured the attention of fans worldwide, and adding a player of Vinícius Jr.’s stature would only accelerate this trend.

While the speculation surrounding Vinícius Jr.’s future continues to grow, it’s clear that any potential move to Saudi Arabia would face significant challenges. Real Madrid would need to be persuaded to part with one of their brightest stars, and Vinícius himself would need to be convinced that a move to the Saudi Pro League aligns with his personal and professional aspirations.

For now, the Brazilian star remains focused on his responsibilities at Real Madrid, where he is aiming to help the team compete for domestic and European honors this season. As one of the most exciting players in the world, his every move is closely watched, and any developments regarding his future will undoubtedly generate headlines.

Whether Saudi Arabia’s audacious interest in Vinícius Jr. ultimately leads to a record-breaking transfer or simply underscores the league’s growing ambitions, one thing is clear: the Saudi Pro League is reshaping the footballing landscape and redefining what is possible in the global transfer market.

Benzema praises Sergio Conceicao

Karim Benzema reflects on his progression at Al Ittihad, admits his first season was average, praises Sergio Conceicao’s training intensity, and argues Saudi football is improving fast and is closer to Europe’s level than many believe.

Flamengo win the Brazilian title after winning the Libertadores

Flamengo crowned an historic season by clinching the Brazilian league title with a 1-0 win over Ceará, just four days after lifting their fourth Copa Libertadores.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Top Countries

Around the web

FC Bayern report Neuer injury

Manuel Neuer will miss Bayern’s year-ending match away at Heidenheim. The goalkeeper picked up an injury on Sunday against Mainz.

The mixed interim verdict for Bayern loanee Jackson

Nicolas Jackson is heading to the Africa Cup of Nations. At Bayern, he still needs to improve.

Juventus family rejects bid of over €1 billion for the Old Lady

A huge bid has been made for Juventus, according to various sources in Italy. A minority shareholder is said to have offered more than one billion euros to obtain a majority stake. However, the Agnelli family has no intention of selling the Old Lady.

Saudi Arabia is gaining ground in the predictions

The Egyptian was not even included in the squad against Inter Milan this week, and he may already have played his last match for Liverpool after nine seasons at the club.

Bell wants to make history with Mainz 05

Mainz 05’s stadium is almost sold out for the match against Samsunspor. Despite the many fans of the Turkish club, Stefan Bell believes there will be a home-game atmosphere, in which he wants to achieve something historic.

The British press criticizes United weak defence

Manchester United and Bournemouth served up a real thriller on Monday night (4-4). The British press saw it the same way, although it was mainly United’s defence that came in for criticism afterwards.

Inter win away at Genoa and move up to first place in Serie A

Inter won 2-1 away at Genoa to move top of Serie A, with Lautaro Martinez decisive again, while AC Milan drew with Sassuolo and Napoli lost at Udinese in a table-shifting Sunday.

The El Khannouss problem at Stuttgart

It is the Africa Cup rather than the Bundesliga for Bilal El Khannouss now. The ambition and hunger for success of the Morocco international also have drawbacks for VfB Stuttgart.

Villarreal, one of the clubs interested in Sidiki Cherif

Villarreal are linked with Angers forward Sidiki Cherif ahead of the winter transfer window, with reports of a 20 million euro bid and Angers holding out for at least 25 million amid interest from other European clubs.

To cut costs, Jim Ratcliffe makes changes to the catering at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s owner is considering the option of hiring an external company to manage stadium catering, so the club would no longer handle that work itself.