SPL club's chief confirms team tried to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr in the summer transfer window
Al-Ahli chief Khaled Al-Issa has confirmed that the club tried to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. in the summer transfer window. The Saudi Pro League side reportedly offered the 24-year-old Brazilian winger a huge deal after Allan Saint-Maximin was loaned to Turkish club Fenerbahçe for the 2024–25 season in July.
While confirming the Saudi club's interest in signing Vinicius Jr, Al-Issa explained that the club shifted their priorities towards a number nine as Saudi Arabian striker Firas Al-Buraikan was supposed to leave the club. As a result, Al-Ahli turned their attention towards Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney.
Al-Ahli ended up signing the former Brentford star at the end of August on a four-year contract for a reported fee of £40m.
Speaking about the Saudi club's interest in Vinicius Jr. over the summer, Al-Issa told 'Koora Rotana' (via GOAL):
"The competent technical committee, which includes the technical director, decided to leave Maximin because it was easier in terms of the sale process, and the amount of the deal could be borne by any other club."
"There was a desire to bring in a very big winger, Vinicius, from Real Madrid, but during the negotiations something unexpected happened, which was the Saudi players leaving to go professional in accordance with the scholarship program, and the striker Firas Al-Braikan was scheduled to leave."
"Our priority shifted from the winger to the spearhead based on the departure of Al-Braikan, and we entered into negotiations with Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, and it ended with Toney's arrival," added Al-Issa.
Al-Ahli are currently eighth on the Saudi Pro League table after two matches. They last bagged the league title in 2015–16 and are pitted against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in their next league fixture on September 13 at Al-Awwal Park.
La Liga president names Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr as his favorite to win 2024 Ballon d'Or
La Liga president Javier Tebas has chosen Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr as his favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian has been backed by many fans, footballers, and pundits to win the prestigious award.
Seven out of the 30 nominees announced for the 2024 Ballon d'Or are Real Madrid players. Los Blancos' dominance does not come as a shock as the Spanish giants lifted three trophies last season, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana.
While picking Vinicius as his choice, Javier Tebas referred to him as a "different player" and said (via Madrid Xtra on X):
"Ballon d'Or? Vinicius is a different player. He deserves it."
Vinicius Jr, who arrived at Santiago Bernabéu in 2018, pulled off an impressive run last season, recording 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos. He was also named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.
If Vinicius Jr receives this year's Ballon d'Or, he will become the first Brazilian to win it since Kaka in 2007.