Vinicius Junior has told Real Madrid he does not currently wish to renew his contract, GIVEMESPORT understands. The news, first broken by The Athletic, comes off the back of a strained relationship with Real head coach Xabi Alonso.
Vini Jr has spoken publicly about wanting to commit his long-term future to Real Madrid, but Carlo Ancelotti's departure over the summer has changed the dynamic.
Real president Florentino Perez was informed in October of the news and is understood to be assessing next steps. After the 2026 World Cup, Vini Jr will only have one year left on his Real contract.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has made 17 appearances this season, scoring five goals, but reacted angrily after being substituted in Real's 2-1 El Clasico win over Barcelona. Alonso has been quick to stress there has been no breakdown in relationship, but GMS understands Vini Jr views the situation differently and is unhappy at the amount of games completed, which total just five.
Vinicius Junior Situation Monitored by Saudi Pro League Clubs
Vinicius Junior celebrating after scoring against Mallorca
GMS understands Saudi dealmakers are monitoring the situation closely, and that on-off talks have taken place with Vini Jr's agency, Roc Nation Sports, for over a year.
Although Vini Jr's historical comments about staying at Real for the majority or even all his career can't be discounted, GMS can reveal the door is not entirely shut on a move to Saudi one day.
Saudi Pro League officials have been aware for some time that Vini Jr won't consider a potential switch until after the 2026 World Cup, and even that may be viewed as too soon by the 25-year-old.
But Vini Jr has been informed a five-year contract is on the table worth a total of €1bn or €250m per year. That would make the Brazilian the highest paid player in world football, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's current earnings, which are believed to be around €200m-per-year at Al-Nassr.
Al-Ahli Viewed as Most Likely Saudi Destination
Vinicius Jr Brazil
Jeddah-based Al-Ahli are viewed as the most likely destination should Vini Jr agree to move to Saudi Arabia. The defending Asian Champions League champions are one of four PIF-controlled clubs and are yet to have a marquee name considered at the same level as Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) and Neymar (formally Al-Hilal).
Some Real insiders view lack of progress over a new deal for Vini Jr, which was thought to be closer in January than now, as a negotiation tactic. Vini Jr is seeking over €25m per year to stay at Real and it may help his cause to engage with Saudi. But there is no guarantee the LaLiga giants sanction that kind of spend despite wanting Vini Jr to stay.
Whereas with Ancelotti at the club, a renewal was viewed as a matter of time, Vini Jr's long-term future at Real is now less clear. And as his current contract winds down, Saudi may be tempted to test Real's resolve with a significant transfer fee.