Vinicius Jr makes decision on Real Madrid future after Saudi Arabia cool interest in Brazilian forward amid contract talks

Executives from the Saudi top-flight met with Vinicius Junior for the first time in 2023 to discuss a transfer that would see him sign a deal worth a potential €1 billion (£840m). The officials then stepped up their interest last summer, but the player at that time postponed talks on his future.

Now, ESPN reports that the SPL have cooled their interest in the Madrid star and have not approached the player's representatives since December 2024. Earlier, the point of contact between the league and the player was Saad Al Lazeez, who served as the SPL's vice chairman. Al Lazeez, however, resigned from his post last month.

The report adds that Los Blancos initiated contract talks first in February this year and tabled an offer similar to the player's current salary, €17 million (£14m/$18.6m) a year after tax. Vinicius' camp then forwarded their own proposal, which was significantly higher than what the club offered. The Spanish champions are yet to respond to the player's revised demands. The Brazilian still has two years left in his existing deal.

Carlo Ancelotti's side will be back in action on Tuesday in the Champions League as they visit Arsenal for the first leg of their quarter-final fixture.