Carlo Ancelotti does not expect Vinícius Júnior to be tempted by the mega offer awaiting him in Saudi Arabia. The Real Madrid coach believes that 'Vini' prioritizes sporting interests.
Embed from Getty Images
Carlo Ancelotti has reaffirmed his confidence that Vinícius Júnior will remain at Real Madrid despite growing interest from Saudi Arabia, where clubs continue their aggressive pursuit of European stars with record-breaking financial offers.
The Real Madrid coach addressed the speculation at a press conference ahead of his team’s Champions League encounter with Stade Brest, making it clear that he does not expect the Brazilian winger to be lured away by the immense sums reportedly being prepared for him.
"In football, I understand everything," Ancelotti stated. "I also understood that Kroos decided to leave football, even though few expected it. These decisions are personal, and every player has his own motivations. But as I’ve said before, I see Vini happy. He loves being here, he wants to stay, and his ambition is to win titles with Real Madrid. I believe he will choose glory over money."
Despite Ancelotti’s confidence, reports from the Spanish sports newspaper AS suggest that another massive offer from Saudi Arabia’s Pro League is on the way this summer. Al-Ahli, one of the most ambitious Saudi clubs, is reportedly preparing a bid that could test the resolve of both the player and Real Madrid. According to the report, Real Madrid stands to receive around €300 million in transfer fees should they agree to part ways with Vinícius, while the player himself could be offered an unprecedented €200 million per year over a five-year contract.
This proposed deal would make Vinícius the highest-paid footballer in history, surpassing even the astronomical wages being earned by Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, who all moved to Saudi Arabia in recent years. The Saudi Pro League has been aggressively targeting Europe’s biggest names in an attempt to elevate its status and compete with the top leagues globally. While many stars in the later stages of their careers have been tempted by these offers, younger players like Vinícius, who is only 23 years old, represent a different challenge.
For now, Real Madrid has maintained a firm stance on the matter, stating that Vinícius is not for sale and that any club wanting to sign him would have to pay his full release clause, which is set at an astronomical €1 billion. The club sees the Brazilian as a fundamental part of its future and a key figure in its post-Benzema era, alongside other young stars like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga.
However, AS has revealed a potential nuance in this firm position. While Real Madrid is unwilling to negotiate a transfer on their own initiative, the club might reconsider if Vinícius himself expresses a desire to leave. If the Brazilian were to ask for a move, Real Madrid would reportedly be open to sitting down with Saudi representatives and negotiating an exit, rather than strictly enforcing his release clause. This is a significant detail, as it suggests that while Real Madrid publicly insists on keeping him, the final decision could ultimately lie with the player.
For Vinícius, the decision is not just about money but also about his sporting legacy. The forward has established himself as one of the best players in the world, playing a crucial role in Real Madrid’s recent successes, including their Champions League triumph in 2022, where he scored the winning goal in the final. At just 23, he has the potential to lead the team for many years, cementing his place among the club’s legends.
Additionally, staying at Real Madrid ensures that he remains in the spotlight of European football, competing at the highest level in the Champions League and playing for one of the most prestigious clubs in history. A move to Saudi Arabia, despite the financial incentives, would take him out of that elite competition and could affect his chances of winning major individual awards like the Ballon d’Or.
It remains to be seen whether Vinícius will be tempted by the offer or if he will continue to prioritize his sporting ambitions. His current contract with Real Madrid runs until 2027, and there have been no indications from the player that he is considering an exit. However, with the growing financial power of Saudi football and the precedent set by other stars making the move, nothing can be ruled out entirely.
For now, Ancelotti and Real Madrid remain confident that Vinícius will stay, focusing instead on their Champions League campaign and their pursuit of domestic success. The coming months, however, could bring further developments as Saudi clubs continue their relentless pursuit of top European talent.
Updated: 11:24, 29 Jan 2025
