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Topics: Football, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Transfer News, Vinicius Jr, Xabi Alonso, FIFA Club World Cup
Ben McCrum
Topics: Football, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Transfer News, Vinicius Jr, Xabi Alonso, FIFA Club World Cup
Vinicius Jr could be set to leave Real Madrid as a club is preparing to submit a world-record bid amid reports contract discussions have stalled.
Ever since he somewhat controversially, finished second in the Ballon d'Or standings following an impressive 2023-24 campaign, finishing behind Manchester City's Rodri, Vinicius Jr has struggled to once again find form.
Since the arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso, the winger started six matches for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup, scoring just one goal in this time.
Despite his recent lacklustre performances, Real Madrid have reportedly been keen to tie the Brazilian down to a new long-term contract ahead of his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027.
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But with reports claiming that these discussions have stalled, a surprise club has emerged as potential new destination for the Brazilian, and they're prepared to pay a world-record fee.
According to a recent report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, Vinicius' performances at the Club World Cup led to an immediate breakdown in planned contract talks set to take place ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season.
The report claims that Real Madrid drew up a new contract for the 25-year-old are planned to present it to him over the summer, but were yet to make contract with Vinicius Jr or his camp about this deal.
However, neither Real Madrid or Vinicius are said to be in any rush to sign a new contract given the fact that it runs for another two years, allowing them both to consider what options may be available over the coming months.
And it appears that one of those options is set to be a world-record move to Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli, as talkSPORT are reporting that they are prepared to table a breathtaking world record offer in the region of €350million (£302m).
According to the report, talks with Vinicius about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League have been ongoing for over a year, with club officials just waiting for the right time to launch a bid for the Real Madrid star.
As part of the deal, Vinicius Jr has been offered a contract totalling around €1bn [£864m], including bonuses, across a five-year contract in an offer sent to him in writing as a non-binding bid.
However, it remains unclear if Saudi chiefs feel that this summer is the ideal moment to launch their stunning bid for Vinicius after he recently made it public that it is his preference to stay at Real, despite leaving the door open for a Saudi move at some stage in his career.
But, should the £302m move be pulled off, it would smash the current world-record transfer that saw Neymar Jr join Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in August 2017 for a massive fee of £200m.