Vinicius Junior deal ‘accelerates’ as Real Madrid star’s future becomes clearer

Robin Bairner

25 Mar 2026 12:59 GMT
4 min read

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Officials from the Saudi Pro League are accelerating to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid in the summer.

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The Brazil international has so far been unable to agree a contract extension with the Bernabeu outfit, despite being locked in talks for months over the issue.

With the 25-year-old winger out of contract in 2027, Los Blancos do not wish to risk losing such a valuable asset on a free transfer and could, therefore, be prompted to sell him in the summer.

Current ETV

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€89.9M - €109.9M

Vini Jr to the Saudi Pro League: The state of play revealed

Vini Jr’s representatives have already met with officials from Saudi Arabia to discuss a blockbuster summer transfer to the Pro League, according to a report from Sky Sport Switzerland.

It is claimed that he is “open” to leaving Real Madrid, with Saudi preparing for a game-changing summer transfer window in which 50 top players have already been earmarked for a move.

Among these targets, Vini has been singled out as a player who is capable of boosting the league’s appeal.

Sky Sport Switzerland claims: “A major Saudi company reportedly obtained an exclusive mandate from the player to negotiate on his behalf with interested clubs. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sports is also said to be involved in the discussions.”

The report stresses, however, the Vini Jr did not participate in these talks himself.

Real Madrid still trying with contract talks

Back at Real Madrid, president Florentino Perez continues to push for the renewal of Vinicius Junior’s contract. He wants this done as soon as possible.

Talks between Los Blancos and Vini remain open, indicating that the player has not yet given up on remaining in Spain.

Not just the money pushing Vini to Saudi

The wages on offer in the Saudi Pro League are likely to make him one of the best-paid athletes in the world, making a transfer the obvious choice if he wants to maximise his earnings during his playing career.

Similarly, his situation in Spain is complicated. He reportedly feels undervalued at Real Madrid, where Kylian Mbappe has eclipsed him to become both the club’s top earner and its leading start.

Furthermore, Vini Jr has been the subject of repeated racism scandals, the latest of which came about during a Champions League clash with Benfica. Amid this backdrop of unhappiness, he could seek a fresh start in the Middle East.

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