Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund continues to show interest signing Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, it is said.
The 24-year-old, who finished second to Rodri in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting and was later named FIFA’s best men’s player, was said to be a transfer target for the cash-rich Saudi Pro League last summer.
Khaled Al Issa, a director at Al Ahli, later confirmed that his club had been interested in signing Vinicius after allowing Allan Saint-Maximin to join Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce – but that “something unexpected happened”. forced the Saudi giants to pursue a deal for Brentford striker Ivan Toney instead.
ESPN report that PIF re-established contact with Vinicius’ representatives in December, mainly to show the Brazilian that he remains one of their top priorities.
“There is nothing at all,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti at the time with regard to a possible departure of Vinicius. “Of course speculation has no influence [Vinicius]. He is here, he wants to be here. He wants to do his best and help Real Madrid.
“We have our project and we are moving forward with it. We have a squad of great quality. We lost important players and brought in others who have to adapt. We have to work on maintaining the atmosphere and the engagement. “That was key last year.”
Vinicius was instrumental in Madrid winning their 15th Champions League title last May, doubling their record. His 15 La Liga goals helped the club secure their 36th title Clasico Rivals Barcelona.
During his FIFA Men’s Best Player award speech, he spoke of his desire to remain at Santiago Bernabeu for years to come and is seen by the Spanish giants as a cornerstone of the club’s future alongside Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius was named La Liga Player of the Month in November and picked up the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Golden Ball and Player of the Tournament awards in December after helping Real Madrid beat Pachuca in the final of FIFA’s version of the Club World Cup had.
As for the Saudi Pro League, they continue to boast big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema and are looking to sign Mohamed Salah on a free transfer this summer as his contract with Premier League leaders Liverpool expires.