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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Audacious approach from the Middle East</li><li>Brazilian forward willing to listen to offer</li><li>Records must be smashed in order to do deal</li></ul>

Vinicius Junior in line for Al-Ahli contract that would make Real Madrid star highest-paid athlete in the world

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<p>Talk of interest from the Middle East was first covered by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/transfer-news-live-updates/Ox3LvzY83whP/enRXp9jrpvvB/" target="_blank"><em>The Athletic</em></a>, with the Brazil international said to have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/vinicius-jr-rejects-transfer-approach-join-cristiano-ronaldo-saudi-pro-league-targets-ballon-d-or-real-madrid/blt923d8dce0caf15eb" target="_blank">ruled out a move away from Santiago Bernabeu</a> being made at this stage. <a href="https://www.goal.com/br/listas/vinicius-junior-avalia-oferta-arabia-saudita-aguarda-conversas-real-madrid-maior-negociacao-historia/blt790c1293351b1efa#cs4d7af72caf1e473c " target="_blank"><strong>GOAL</strong> has, however, discovered</a> that an audacious approach has not been knocked back and talks are set to take place.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Al-Ahli, who already have ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino on their books, are understood to be the side piecing together a remarkable €1 billion (£854m/$1.1bn) package. The largest contract ever seen in professional sport is supposedly being readied for Vinicius.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The South American’s representatives have made it clear to Al-Ahli that it would take a record-breaking transfer fee and personal terms in order to do a deal. Those in Saudi will not have to meet a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/vinicius-jr-contract-real-madrid-wages-deal-expiry-date-release-clause/blt0d2ff54211591c5f" target="_blank">€1bn release clause in Vinicius’ contract</a>, but will have to part with at least €300m (£256m/$328m) in order to complete a marquee signing and top <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/100-most-expensive-football-transfers-all-time/ikr3oojohla51fh9adq3qkwpu" target="_blank">Paris Saint-Germain’s stunning €222m (£190m/$243m) acquisition of Neymar in 2017</a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Al-Ahli are prepared to put a package in place that would see Vinicius earn over €1bn across a long-term contract. Said terms, which still need to be formalised and officially presented, would see the 24-year-old eclipse Al-Nassr icon Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Miami talisman Lionel Messi when it comes to earning power, while also moving above MLB superstar <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-mlb-sensation-shohei-ohtani-shirt-sale-record-inter-miami-700m-la-dodgers/blt18c6c94f1f21889f" target="_blank">Shohei Ohtani – who penned a $700m (£547m) agreement with the LA Dodgers</a> in December 2023.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Revealed: Vinicius Junior in line for unbelievable Al-Ahli contract that would make Real Madrid star highest-paid athlete in the world ahead of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo & MLB icon | Goal.com US

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has not ruled out a transfer to Saudi Arabia, GOAL has learned, and could become the world’s highest-paid athlete.