Real Madrid want Barcelona target as replacement if Vinicius Jr decides to leave amidst offer from Saudi Pro League: Reports
Real Madrid are reportedly making contingency plans if star forward Vinícius Júnior decides to accept a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League. If the Brazilian winger leaves the Santiago Bernabéu, the club is focusing on Barcelona target Nico Williams as his replacement, according to El Nacional.
Al-Ahli have reportedly contacted Real Madrid, expressing their intent to sign the Brazilian superstar. Despite the firm response from Madrid, pointing to Vinícius’ €1 billion release clause, the Saudi club remains undeterred.
El Nacional reported that Al-Ahli are prepared to make a staggering €400 million offer. This amount would be less than double the current world-record transfer fee of Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million in 2017. Although Vinícius leaving Real Madrid seems unlikely, Los Blancos are prepared to act swiftly.
Nico Williams, the 21-year-old winger from Athletic Bilbao, has attracted significant attention since his breakthrough 2023-24 season. He registered eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions, helping Bilbao win the Copa del Rey. He also helped Spain win the Euro 2024.
Williams has been a key target for Barcelona this summer. If Vinícius departs, the Spaniard could become a major battleground between Spain’s two biggest clubs.
Real Madrid and Barcelona - how are the two La Liga giants performing in summer transfer window?
While it seemed imminent for years, Real Madrid finally completed the signature of Kylian Mbappe in the initial days of the summer window. The club also sprinkled a little bit of Endrick's flair into the mix, as the Brazilian teenager finally arrived from Palmeiras after signing a deal back in 2022. With those acquisitions, Carlo Ancelotti has built a forward line that would send chills down the spine of any opposition.
However, Los Blancos have been silent in the transfer market since then. Toni Kroos' retirement, Nacho Fernandez's departure, and a long-term injury to their prodigal center-back Joan Martinez have handed the Madrid-based club a few headaches.
However, Real Madrid remain adamant about not overpaying for any of their targets. This approach saw their reported target Leny Yoro choose Manchester United over them. Their first real test of the season will be on Wednesday (August 14), when they face Europa League winners Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final.
Meanwhile, for Barcelona, it has been a transfer window of equal lows and highs. While the signing of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig was a testament to their intent, the inability to close the Nico Williams deal has hampered their ambitions. They have also made a shrewd addition of Pau Victor to play second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski.
But there are still areas that the Catalan side needs to strengthen. With Ansu Fati injured, Barcelona are down to their final left winger in Ferran Torres. Hence, they are in the market for Nico Williams or other wingers.