Vinicius Jr. Chooses the Hard Road: Real Madrid Star Eyes a Saudi Challenge
26 November 2025
Vinicius Jr. at a Crossroads
Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior has reportedly settled the question surrounding the massive offer from Al Ahli Jeddah, amid ongoing debates about his future at Real Madrid.
In recent weeks, rumors linked Vinicius to leaving Real Madrid due to a dip in form and reported tension with coach Xabi Alonso, who took the helm after Carlo Ancelotti. Some outlets claimed the player was considering a move outside Europe, specifically to the Saudi Pro League.
Tiago Virtas, Vinicius's agent, told the Saudi newspaper Al Yaum that the move away from Europe is not true and that a Saudi transfer is not on the table at this stage. He stressed that Vinicius remains committed to continuing his career in Europe despite the massive offers received.
Rumors had suggested serious talks between Al Ahli and Real Madrid about a deal worth around 300 million pounds, with intermediaries seeking to lure the star away from the Spanish capital.
Vinicius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 and has since become a key figure, valued at about 200 million euros according to Transfermarkt; his contract runs until 2027.
In a new development, The Athletic reported that Vinicius rejected a Madrid extension for now, citing friction with Alonso and doubts about the coach's style, while meeting with club president Florentino Perez to explain that extending the contract isn't his preferred path at this moment.
He reportedly fears Alonso's leadership could differ from Ancelotti, whose relationship with Vinicius was more harmonious and conducive to his best performances.
A potential move to the Saudi league would be a historic milestone for the competition, given Vinicius's value and marketability. His presence could boost the league's profile and attract more global attention, alongside stars like Ronaldo and Benzema.
For Al Ahli, signing a player of Vinicius's caliber would significantly bolster their attack as they aim to defend the AFC Champions League elite title. He is widely regarded as one of the world's most dangerous attackers thanks to his speed, dribbling, and ability to swing matches in the final minutes.
End of the Golden Run
Separately, Al Ahli suffered their first defeat of the season in the AFC Champions League Elite, losing 1-0 to Sharjah (UAE). Sharjah moved to 7 points, Al Ahli 10 points in third place, ending a 22-match unbeaten run in the competition since April 15, 2021. The team also failed to score for the first time in 18 matches in the Champions League.
Legend Hasan Abdul-Ghani commented that the defeat was unexpected and could be a blessing in disguise, helping the coaching staff review errors and push players to return stronger for the next match against Al Qadisya. He added that coach Matthias Jaissle and the players must learn from mistakes and get back on track quickly.
