VINICIUS JUNIOR has rejected a new contract from Real Madrid amid intense interest from Saudi Arabia, reports suggest.
Vinicius, 24, currently pockets a staggering £12.5million per year at Real, with whom he has a contract until 2027 with a release clause worth a whopping €1billion (£830m).
However, the star forward has been receiving interest from Saudi Arabia as club chiefs are willing to break the bank for his signature with an offer close to his astronomical asking price.
Meetings reportedly took place between Vini’s representatives and Saudi officials in December following an initial approach last summer.
That led Los Blancos to the negotiating table as they look to tie up the Brazil international with a new long-term contract that would knock back interest from the Saudi Pro League’s riches.
Meetings have been held between the reigning European champions and Vinicius’ camp as well as close family.
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According to The Athletic, however, Real’s opening bid has been turned down by Vinicius and his team.
The new offer included a pay rise that didn’t satisfy the Brazilian but talks will continue.
Saudi chiefs are willing to take Vinicius’ earnings to a staggering £168m per year.
The officials from the Middle East want to offer the Real star that amount over a five-year period, meaning his contract will be worth £865m.
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The Spanish giants are desperate to keep him and insist it would take a bid close to the player’srelease clause for them to even consider selling.
But they will not stand in his way should he be tempted by the cash on the table.
Vinicius is said to be generally happy at Real, where he has won three LaLiga titles, the 2023 Copa del Rey and two Champions League trophies during his successful seven-year spell in Madrid.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
