Vinicius Junior Declines Saudi Arabia Move, Set to Extend Real Madrid Contract

Vinicius Junior's Future at Real Madrid

Reports indicate that Vinicius Junior, the star player of Real Madrid FC, has turned down a lucrative offer to move to Saudi Arabia, suggesting he will remain with the club. Earlier in 2025, there was considerable speculation regarding his potential departure from the Santiago Bernabéu, reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo's transition to Al-Nassr. However, insiders at Real Madrid believe he will continue his journey with the team.

According to a Spanish publication, an announcement regarding Vinicius' contract extension is anticipated at the season's conclusion. This new agreement is expected to extend until 2030, with plans to build the team around him. It's noteworthy that current manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave at the end of the season, with former Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso being a potential successor.

Vinicius has attracted interest from clubs like Al-Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr, with a staggering bid projected to exceed Neymar's transfer fee to PSG, estimated at 350 million euros. Previously, he had declined a staggering one billion euro offer spread over five years.

Real Madrid had also contemplated signing Manchester City striker Erling Haaland should Vinicius decide to leave for Saudi Arabia. The 24-year-old has experienced a challenging season, marked by rising tensions with teammates. He expressed a desire to become the highest-paid player at the club, surpassing Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. Additionally, he faced criticism for his conduct during a UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal FC, where he clashed with defensive midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Manchester City fans even mocked him with a tifo featuring their midfielder Rodri alongside the caption 'Stop crying your heart out.'

In his 27 appearances for Real Madrid, Vinicius has netted 11 goals and provided 7 assists, including 8 goals and 3 assists in 12 Champions League matches. However, he has faced backlash for underwhelming performances at critical moments, contributing to a disappointing season for the team, which has seen them exit the UEFA Champions League, Copa Del Rey, and Spanish Supercup. They are also at risk of missing out on the domestic league title, needing to win all remaining matches while hoping Barcelona falters in their upcoming games.