2024-08-13 09:58:38
Saudi Arabia continues to fight for attention and acceptance in football. The oil state is reportedly prepared to spend even more money to achieve this.
Vinícius Júnior is currently one of the best footballers in the world. The Brazilian from Real Madrid particularly attracted attention in the knockout phase of the last Champions League season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. The 24-year-old is also considered a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
This is apparently also known in Saudi Arabia. According to a report by the Spanish media “Relevo”, Vinícius Júnior has been offered a five-year contract. The annual salary: the equivalent of 200 million euros, a total of one billion euros.
The winger would be the most expensive player in the league alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The four biggest clubs in the “Saudi Pro League” belong to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, which is why most of the stars are spread across these teams. For example, Karim Benzema plays for Al-Ittihad, Riyad Mahrez for Al-Ahli, Neymar for Al-Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo for Al-Nassr.
But in addition to old stars in the late autumn of their careers, the Saudi clubs also want to sign younger footballers in order to raise the level and to achieve greater acceptance. For example, 25-year-old Moussa Diaby (formerly of Bayer Leverkusen) moved from England to Al-Ittihad for 60 million euros in the summer.
According to “Relevo”, Vinícius Júnior is said to be flattered and has not ruled out a transfer. He has also been offered the opportunity to be a face of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid. Real Madrid, on the other hand, has no interest in selling the talented winger. The Spaniards are counting on their exceptional talent. This will also be the case tomorrow, Wednesday, when Real Madrid, as Champions League winners, face Europa League winners Atalanta in the Supercup (from 9 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online).