Vinicius Jr to receive world-record bid as Saudi Arabian side aim to capitalise on breakdown in Real Madrid contract talks with blockbuster transfer that would top Neymar's €222m PSG move

Saudi Pro League chiefs have been interested in signing the Brazilian forward for a long time and are keeping tabs on the growing tensions between Los Blancos and Vinicius. According to talkSPORT, the Saudi officials have lined up a record €300 million (£261m/$351m) bid for the Madrid forward in case of a fallout between Vinicius and the club. Furthermore, the Saudi Arabian side are willing to offer €1bn (£870m/$1.2bn) over a five-year contract to the two-time Champions League winner.

The Saudi chiefs were left disappointed earlier when Kylian Mbappe declined their massive €300m (£261m/$351m) bid in 2023. There is an internal feeling that another prominent player needs to be signed for the Saudi League, and with Al-Ahli winning the Asian Champions League last season, the plan is for the Jeddah-based club to get their deserved big signing. However, Vinicius has publicly stated that he wishes to continue with Madrid, but his demand to be the highest-paid at the club raises uncertainty about his future. The Saudis know that a deal will be hard to make but are optimistic that if not now, a deal can be struck later, possibly by the 2027-28 season, when the Brazilian will still be in his prime years.

Madrid's talks to extend Vinicius Jr.'s contract until 2030 have stalled. With two years left on his current deal, the Brazilian forward is demanding a hefty €30m (£26m/$35m), including a renewal bonus, which would make him the club's highest-paid player. Los Blancos, however, are reluctant to meet this demand, particularly given his recent dip in form, notably in the Club World Cup where he struggled.

Xabi Alonso's side are currently lobbying La Liga to postpone their opening fixture against Osasuna. La Liga's president, Javier Tebas, had declined the club's request but is under new pressure to reschedule the season opener after AFE (Spanish Footballers' Association) appealed to the Sole Competition Judge.