Saudi Billion-Dollar Pitch: Vinícius Jr. Pushes Real Madrid Toward a Widening Transfer Saga
22 January 2026
Vinícius Jr. and the Saudi Bid Saga
Doubts linger over Brazil's star's future as all eyes in the Saudi league focus on Vinícius Júnior, seen as a major target for summer 2026 amid interest from the kingdom’s investors to sign Real Madrid star.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs on TalkSport, Real Madrid hopes to extend Brazilian's contract, but negotiations halted when Xabi Alonso led the team, before his departure and Álvaro Arbeloa's arrival.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli is the Saudi club discussed for Vinícius transfer, with a offer reportedly valued at one billion euros.
Despite the player's repeated statements about his full commitment to continue his career with Real Madrid, talks between Saudi officials and Vinícius’s entourage have been ongoing for more than a year, according to Ben Jacobs.
It is noted that Vinícius was crowned Player of the Week in the Champions League today, after scoring one goal and assisting two others against Monaco last Tuesday, during Real Madrid's dominant 6-1 win.
Punchlines: If a billionaire bid rings, Real Madrid should answer with a bigger calculator. In football transfers, money talks, but calendars scream season.
