Saudi Arabia preparing world-record €300m transfer bid for Vinicius Junior as Real Madrid superstar lined up to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Middle East on eye-watering €1bn contract

The Brazil international forward is currently on the books of Real Madrid, where he has savoured La Liga and Champions League title glory. He has become a Ballon d’Or contender and is yet to reach his peak at 24 years of age.

Vinicius is, however, being lined up for a move that could see him join Blancos legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s CEO, Omar Mugharbel, has told AS of recruitment plans for 2025: “In the summer we hope to see some interesting signings. So we'll wait and see what happens with that.”

The same news outlet reports that Vinicius sits at the top of the Saudi wish list. Any approach for the South American superstar will see transfer history made as the fee involved in Neymar’s €222m (£186m/$232m) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 is eclipsed.

It is claimed that teams such as Al-Hilal – who are ready to replace Neymar after terminating his contract – and Al-Ahli are ready to splash out €300m (£251m/$313m) on Vinicius. He will also be handed a lucrative contract worth €1 billion (£838m/$1bn) over the next five years.

Real, though, have no intention of parting with the Brazilian. They have a €1bn release clause in his current contract and are reportedly keen to discuss fresh terms that will see a deal at Santiago Bernabeu that is due to run until 2027 extended on an improved salary.