Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid, has reportedly turned down a staggering €1billion ($1.1billion) offer to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The offer, described by Marca as “the biggest transfer deal in football history,” would have seen Vinicius earn €200 million per season over five years. Al-Ahli were reportedly “willing to do anything” to secure the Brazilian star’s signature.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns Al-Ahli, has been aggressively pursuing top-tier talent to push the Saudi Pro League to global prominence.
Sources close to the 24-year-old Brazilian confirmed that while Vinicius was approached by officials from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) with the lucrative deal, Real Madrid showed no interest in negotiating a transfer.
The player’s buy-out clause stands at €1billion.
Additionally, Saudi officials offered Vinicius a separate 10-year contract to become an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia is expected to host.
Despite the unprecedented financial package, which included a potential ambassador role for the 2034 World Cup, the Brazilian star, one of the frontrunners for this year’s Ballon d’Or has opted to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 24-year-old recently extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2027.
