Vinicius Junior, a winger associated with the Saudi Pro League, reportedly turned down Real Madrid’s initial offer of a new contract.
Los Blancos have recently shown signs of recovery, winning 11 of their last 13 games across all competitions after losing four, drawing one, and winning five of their previous ten.
Although they only have a one- and four-point advantage over rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, Real Madrid leads La Liga despite suffering multiple injury setbacks.
The team needs to defeat Manchester City in a two-leg playoff match this month, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been under fire for his team’s performances in Europe despite their strong domestic standing.
The Athletic reports that Ancelotti’s star winger Vinicius Junior has turned down the team’s initial contract offer, adding to the rumors that Saudi Pro League teams may re-enter the market for the Brazilian.
Vinicius Junior’s status at Real Madrid evaluated
In his 16 La Liga games thus far, the 24-year-old has scored eight goals and provided five assists, compared to his 15 goals and five assists from the previous season.
Additionally, he has scored seven goals in six Champions League games so far this season—more than he did during his team’s successful 2023–24 campaign.
The current contract of Vinicius Junior expires in the summer of 2027 and has a £830 million release clause, which is likely to deter even Saudi Pro League interest.
But according to reports, the Brazilian is hesitant to sign a new contract until his current yearly salary, which is reportedly £12.48 million after taxes, more fairly reflects the fact that he is arguably one of the best players in the world.
It would be hard to defend losing the winger given how effective he has been in front of goal and how consistently he can perform at the highest level regardless of his wage demands.
Is Vinicius Junior finding the Saudi Pro League more alluring because of Kylian Mbappe?
In his first 11 games of the season, Vinicius Junior only managed three goals for Real Madrid, and the winger had to get used to playing with Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman frequently occupies the same areas that the Brazilian likes to play in, moving from his central position to the left side of the field.
Despite having 15 goals in La Liga, Mbappe has only scored three in the Champions League. However, some people believe he is Real Madrid’s talisman, even more so than Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius Junior might feel that a fight to be the star player at Real Madrid is unnecessary given that he has already won two Champions Leagues, three La Liga championships, and two FIFA Club World Cups. He might also be lured by the possible income in Saudi Arabia.