Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior continues to be the subject of strong transfer interest from Saudi Arabia – and he could end up moving for a world-record fee this summer
Ambitious Saudi Pro League clubs are prepared to smash the world transfer record in order to sign Vinicius Junior this summer.
The Real Madrid winger, 24, has been a long-term target for the Public Investment Fund (PIF) clubs in Saudi as they strive to sign some of the world’s top talents.
Vinicius Jr will have just two years remaining on his current contract at the end of this season. And that could open the door for him to make a sensational move overseas in a deal where the total package would likely exceed the world-record £200million fee that Paris Saint-Germain paid to acquire the Brazilian’s compatriot, Neymar, back in 2017.
As outlined by The Telegraph, talks over a potential move have already taken place in the background. It’s said that it will be down to the player to decide whether to press ahead with a history-making switch.
While Real Madrid have no appetite to sell one of their biggest stars, it is thought that a deal would go through if Vinicius Jr gives the green light to any interested parties.
Al Hilal are mentioned as a possible destination for the Brazil international: they are the most decorated club in the Saudi Pro League and have also qualified for this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States.
As well as interest in Vinicius Jr, Saudi clubs have been chasing Liverpool’s out of contract forward, Mohamed Salah, for the last 18 months. While there has been little in the way of updates on that interest and whether it still stands, the Egyptian confirmed that there was still no agreement in place with his current club over a new deal when he was questioned on Wednesday.
Join the debate! Do you think either Vinicius Jr or Salah will end up moving to Saudi Arabia this summer? Let us know here
He shook his head with a smile before telling TNT Sports: “In a very polite way!” He added: “I want fans to remember that I gave it all to the fans, I gave it all to the city.
“I was here, I wasn’t lazy, I just enjoyed my football and gave it all. I think that’s what the city is about – they give you love and you have a connection with them because you give your all. I just want them to remember that I was here for eight years – and I gave it all.
“To be here for eight years is not something I take for granted. Playing at a top club like Liverpool, fighting for every trophy every year, is incredible. I feel like I’m in very good shape and trying to make sure that not only I improve but that the players around me are improving as well.”
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