Saudi Arabia is reportedly prepared to go all out to sign Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. in a jaw-dropping deal worth $1.3 billion deal to bring the Brazilian superstar to the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls some of the top clubs in the Saudi Pro League, already tried to sign Vinicius last season but the La Liga side made it clear they wouldn’t let him go for less than his €1 billion release clause.
Despite the earlier refusal, Saudi Arabia are reportedly ready to pay Real Madrid $300 million upfront for the transfer.
If that is accepted, it would break the current world record set in 2017 when Paris Saint-Germain paid $222 million to sign Neymar from FC Barcelona.
Vinicius, who is of Cameroonian descent himself would earn a staggering €1 billion over five seasons. That would make him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, possibly even topping Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently leads Forbes’ list of top-earning footballers.
The 23-year-old has been a key player for Real Madrid and was a Ballon d’Or finalist last year. His speed and skill have made him one of the most exciting players in the world to watch.
This comes just days after Neymar, Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian, left Saudi club Al-Hilal after a disappointing 18 months plagued by injuries.
Vinicius has been impressive in the ongoing season scoring 15 goals in 23 appearances for Real Madrid.
