No chance! Vinicius Jr rejects audacious transfer approach to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League as Brazilian targets Ballon d'Or with Real Madrid

The Brazil international has become one of the leading lights in world football, with his stock soaring on the back of La Liga and Champions League title wins. He has become a talismanic presence at Santiago Bernabeu and dons the No.7 shirt in Madrid that five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo once filled.

Portuguese icon Ronaldo is now in the Middle East, with efforts being made to see Vinicius tread a similar path. According to The Athletic, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) delegation, working on behalf of the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport, has sounded out Vinicius’ representatives regarding a future move.

Such a switch would see the South American become the new face of the Saudi Pro League, while working on a lucrative contract. Saudi delegates are eager to put another marquee signing in place ahead of the nation hosting the World Cup finals in 2034.

Vinicius is set to prove out of reach for now, as he has a contract in Madrid through to 2027 that includes a €1 billion (£856m/$1.1bn) release clause. The 24-year-old has made it clear that he has no desire to take on a new challenge any time soon, with it his intention to win the Ballon d’Or while representing his current employers.