No one in the sport has ever been offered that amount of money. But Vinicius refused.
Nikita Paglazov August 12, 2024, 17:50 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The Saudis are ready to take a desperate step for the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi clubs have remained silent during the current transfer window. The most expensive purchase is Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa for €60 million. But now the Saudis are willing to take a crazy step. Globo reports that representatives of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are holding talks on behalf of the country’s Ministry of Sports with Vinicius Junior. They are willing to pay €1 billion for the Brazilian winger from Real Madrid!
Although Saudi Arabia have changed their transfer strategy, they are willing to spend money on a superstar
There is only one big transfer in Saudi Arabia during the summer. Where did the sheikhs’ money go?
Athletic have shared details of the possible deal. It is clear that they want to buy Vinicius from Al-Ahly. The Brazilian is aware of the negotiations, which have been going on for a month. The Saudi Foundation, according to the source, is trying not to cause any inconvenience to the parties involved in the process, both Vinicius and Real Madrid. The footballer is waiting for an official offer from Al-Ahly in case of a positive decision between the clubs. Real do not want to part with the winger, but his contract has a release clause of one billion euros (Vinicius signed a new deal with Real until 2027). This is exactly what Al-Ahly are willing to activate. It is also noted that the Saudis are going to offer Vinicius a five-year contract with a salary of one billion euros + bonuses (for the entire time); something like this has never been seen in sports.
Vinicius Junior
Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images
Why would Saudi Arabia spend such insane amounts of money on a football player? This is the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Arabia has not yet officially received the right to host the tournament, but it was the only country to apply. So there is no doubt that the World Cup will be held on the Arabian Peninsula. And the State Fund wants to make Vinicius an ambassador for the country and the face of the Saudi League.
If the transfer goes through, the Brazilian will become the most expensive and highest-paid sportsman in history. Let’s remember that the biggest purchase in the history of football is that of Neymar from Barcelona to PSG for 222 million euros in 2017. And the highest-paid player is Cristiano Ronaldo (he receives 200 million euros a year at Al-Nasr).
If the country wins the World Cup, the stadiums will definitely not disappoint us:
The 2034 World Cup stadiums are something from outer space. Photo
But The Athletic reports that Vinicius has rejected an initial offer from Saudi Arabia. He is happy at Real Madrid and wants to win the Ballon d’Or. But if Al-Ahly activate the compensation clause, the situation will change. The same material notes that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will negotiate with Vinicius again, despite its initial refusal.
