Saudi Pro League CEO claims Vinicius Junior transfer is 'just a matter of time' as Real Madrid braced for another mega offer

The Brazil international forward has, at just 24 years of age, already seen a move to the Middle East speculated on. It has been claimed that a record-breaking package worth €1 billion (£854m/$1.1bn) is being pieced together by suitors in a league that already counts Real legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema within its ranks.

Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, believes that Vinicius will tread a similar career path at some point in the not too distant future. He has told Marca when asked about interest in the South American superstar: “We don't have dreams, it's a matter of time and negotiation.”

Mugharbel added on attracting top talent to a league that boasts big ambition: “Foreign players have always been part of Saudi teams. In recent years, the number of possible foreign players in teams has changed. This season we have included the number of eight plus two others under 21 years of age. It has always been in the DNA of this league to bring in players from outside to make it more attractive. What has changed massively, especially in the last two years, has been the quality of the players who come. Benzema, among others, create a bigger impact, both nationally and internationally.”

Interest in the Saudi Pro League continues to build around the world, with Mugharbel confident that they can compete for attention with the leading divisions in Europe. He went on to say: “We are the number one league in Asia, but we want to be part of the top 10 in the world. Right now I can't tell you where we are. We have to wait until the end of the season.”

Star turn Ronaldo is reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension that will keep him in the Middle East, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner working on the most lucrative contract in world football at Riyadh-based Al-Nassr.