Revealed: The staggering world-record fee Saudi Pro League is prepared to splurge on Vinicius Jr as potential destination emerges for Real Madrid superstar

According to Ben Jacobs, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are prepared to fork out a whopping €350 million (£296m/$365m) on Madrid forward Vinicius this summer. Despite having Ivan Toney, Roberto Firmino, and Riyad Mahrez among their attacking options, the Jeddah-based team feel there is room for 'one extra elite star'.

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: "The answer is yes, very much so. He is a concrete target. Number one, Vini Jr has a one billion euros release clause, and obviously the Saudis are not going to look to trigger that. Nothing is going to be possible in January.

"And even though Al-Ahli have got some incredible players, including Ivan Toney, Bobby Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, the feeling is that there is room for that one extra elite star. So talks have taken place on the player side already with Al-Ahli in mind, and Saudi may be looking to try something pretty audacious in the summer.

"It's obviously going to be very difficult to pull off in 2025 but here's what I'm told - a bit like a world record offer for Kylian Mbappe when he was still at PSG, that was turned away. Saudi are prepared to pay not that 1 billion euros release clause, but 350 million euros.

"That is the number they are thinking of to try and make Real Madrid go 'hold on a minute. Is that just too good to turn down?' There's no yes yet from the player, but watch this space. Al-Ahli Vini Jr, summer 2025, 350 million euros."

Neymar's move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 remains the world's most expensive transfer at £200m ($246.5m). Al-Hilal reportedly bid £259m ($333m) for Kylian Mbappe when he was at PSG in 2023 but now Al-Ahli seem intent on flexing their financial muscle even more on Vinicius. It seems unlikely the 24-year-old is unlikely to move to the Middle East in 2025, however.

Transfer speculation aside, Vincius Jr's Madrid team host Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday night in the Champions League, and Vinicius will hope to star.