Saudi Pro League bosses are reportedly making a monumental offer to lure Brazilian star Vinicius Junior away from Real Madrid.
The proposal, which comes from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), aims to bring the 24-year-old forward to one of their clubs with a staggering €1 billion deal over five years, according to the Brazilian outlet ge.globo.com.
If accepted, this deal would see Vinicius earning an annual salary thirteen times greater than his current earnings at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with Al-Ahli the club touted.
The proposed contract offers Vinicius the flexibility to decide the length of his stay in Saudi Arabia, giving him the option to leave before the five-year term ends.
Vinicius Junior, who joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, has quickly risen to prominence in his six seasons with the club. The forward has an impressive record of 83 goals in 264 appearances and has helped secure 12 trophies for Los Blancos, including two UEFA Champions League titles.
The potential deal would surpass the current record for the most lucrative transfer in world football, which was Neymar’s €222 million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Neymar has since joined Al-Hilal, another club under PIF’s umbrella.
If Vinicius were to accept the offer, he would eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid player in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, another PIF-owned club, currently earns about €200 million annually. Although his contract is shorter, Vinicius’ proposed contract exceeds the total value of Ronaldo’s.
Al-Ahli, which finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, boasts a star-studded lineup including Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessié and Roberto Firmino.
The Saudi Pro League continues to attract top-tier talent, positioning itself as a significant force in the world of football.
[Image via Shutterstock]