Saudi Pro League officials are preparing an unprecedented transfer bid for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior in what could become the biggest deal in football history.
The move comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Vinicius, who has Cameroonian heritage, has been on the radar of SPL executives for over a year.
Talks held last summer reportedly led to the 24-year-old agreeing terms for a potential five-year deal worth €1 billion — an offer that still stands, according to talkSPORT.
The SPL is now intensifying efforts to test Real Madrid’s resolve by readying a €350 million offer — a figure that would smash the current transfer record of €222 million set when Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in 2017.
Sources say Al-Hilal have been identified as the club best positioned to sign the Brazil international if a deal goes ahead.
Although Vinicius remains under contract at Madrid, discussions over a renewal have reached a standstill. W
ith just under two years remaining on his current deal, the Spanish giants are reportedly unable to meet the winger’s demand to become the highest-paid player at the club, exceeding new signing Kylian Mbappé.
Inside the Bernabéu boardroom, there is growing recognition that Madrid may have to make a decision on Vinicius’s future before the final year of his contract.
Club officials are adamant he will not be allowed to leave on a free transfer, despite his importance to the team.
The proposed SPL deal marks another major signal of intent by the Saudi league as it seeks to lure the game’s elite to the Gulf region, following high-profile acquisitions in recent windows.
