Real Madrid star rejects biggest deal in football history from Saudi Arabia, set to stay with Los Blancos - Reports
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has reportedly rejected the biggest deal in the history of football from Saudi Arabia to stay with Los Blancos, as per El Chiringuito TV journalist Jose Felix Diaz.
As per Diaz's report, Vini Jr received an offer from a Saudi Pro League club for €1 billion over five years. It was dubbed the biggest deal in the sport's history, but both the player and the club rejected the offer.
As per The Athletic, a Public Investment Fund delegation representing Saudi Arabia's sports ministry reached out to Vini's entourage for a potential move. They reportedly wanted the Brazilian to be the face of their 2034 FIFA World Cup campaign. After Vini turned down the offer, the ministry will reportedly be exploring other options.
Vinicius Jr's current contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2027. The Brazilian joined the club in 2018 and is currently one of their guaranteed starters.
He is arguably one of the best players in the Spanish club with 24 goals and 11 assists over 39 appearances last season. The Brazilian is one of the top contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or as well.
Vinicius Jr sends message to Real Madrid star ahead of the 2024-25 season
After a disappointing Copa America campaign with Brazil, Vinicius Jr joined his Los Blancos teammates for their pre-season fixtures in the United States. Speaking via Real Madrid TV, Vini Jr said:
“I'm feeling great, happy to be back with the whole team, the staff and the people who work with us. Now we have to focus because the first game is already like a final. We're preparing and waiting for the remaining players so that this season can be like the last one.”
The Brazilian further mentioned that he would like the upcoming season to turn out like the previous one. Real Madrid won their record-extending 15th Champions League trophy alongside the La Liga last season.
The Brazilian said:
“I was able to train a lot and do a lot of things to reach a good level. I'm still not quite back to where I was before, but we're working to avoid injuries during the season so that we can always be at our best.”
The Los Blancos star also spoke about his new teammates, Kylian Mbappe and Endrick. He believed the club is doing everything to make sure Mbappe adapts to the team quickly, while he considered Endrick very young but a focused player.