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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Saudi have approached Vinicius Jr.</li><li>Brazilian has a €1bn release clause</li><li>Favourite to win Ballon d'Or</li></ul>

Will Vinicius Junior head to Saudi Arabia? Real Madrid star delays decision on future after talks over whopping €350m salary

Saudi Pro League

Al-Fayha

Al Ahli

LaLiga

Leganes

Real Madrid

Vinicius is the subject of an eye-watering €350m (£296m/$391m) approach from the Saudi Pro League that was not immediately rejected by the 24-year-old, causing concern among the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy. The Brazilian has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ballon-dor-2024-power-rankings/blt64e16da6b8170bb7#csbc66b06e4da05438" target="_blank">could culminate in his maiden Ballon d'Or award</a>, and the big money could soon follow if decides to leave Spain.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Vinicius' representatives have told Real Madrid that he is not ready to renew his contract, which expires in 2027, as he wants time to make a decision on his future. According to <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/40977811/real-madrid-vinicius-jr-delays-saudi-decision-source" target="_blank">ESPN</a>, the winger will wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to pursue the Saudi offer, which would see him <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/revealed-vinicius-junior-al-ahli-contract-real-madrid-star-highest-paid-athlete-world-ahead-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-mlb-icon/blt8a7e93784d195daf" target="_blank">become the highest-paid athlete in the world</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Saudi's plan is for Vinicius to play for Al-Ahli, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season. He would also become an ambassador for the country ahead of the 2034 World Cup.

DID YOU KNOW?

While Vinicius' release clause is exorbitant at €1 billion (£846m/$1.1bn), there is hope that Real would be willing to negotiate a lower fee in 2025. The forward's focus for now will be on helping the Liga giants pick up their first three points of the season against Real Valladolid on Sunday afternoon, where <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/new-look-ballon-d-or-vinicius-jr-fresh-hairstyle-real-madrid-star-memorable-year-individual-award/blte38a953acffea000" target="_blank">his new hairstyle will be on full display</a>.

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JR?

Will Vinicius Junior head to Saudi Arabia? Real Madrid star delays decision on future after talks over whopping €350m salary | Goal.com

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior will wait until the end of the season to make a decision on his future amid a sensational offer from Saudi Arabia.