Saudi Arabia denies world record offer for Vinicius Junior

Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli have never made a serious offer to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, despite claims of a world record bid going in.

Vini Jr., a leading contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, has been regularly linked with Saudi Arabia this summer. From Spain this week, there have been claims of a €500m (£422m) bid from Al Ahli and a contract worth an eye-watering €1bn (£844m) over five years, plus possible bonuses.

Sources in Saudi Arabia have denied the existence of any such proposal. It is normal in these circumstances for intermediaries to reach out and perhaps even communicate a basic offer to gauge potential interest. But there is no confirmation that meaningful attempts have been made in this case and it has never been the feeling that the Real Madrid winger would entertain it at this time either.

The footballing powers in Saudi Arabia have no secrets in wanting the very best players in their league, but there is awareness that Vinicius Junior is not going to make that switch right now.

The high-profile players currently being targeted in the remainder of the summer transfer window are Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, whose agent has publicly hinted at a reluctance to leave Europe at this stage of his career, and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman. Brentford’s Ivan Toney is another name dealmakers are in talks for, while Joao Cancelo has just signed for Al Hilal in a deal worth €25m.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the World Cup in 2034, having been uncontested during the bidding process, and the Ministry for Tourism has reached out to Vinicius’ camp over the possibility of recruiting him to promote the tournament on behalf of the country. As the World Cup gets closer, officials could eventually look to make transfer offers for such ambassadors.

For now, however, there is no offer and Vinicius Junior will not be moving to Saudi Arabia.