Reports linking Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr to a billion-euro move to Saudi Arabia are “absolutely nothing”, manager Carlo Ancelotti has said.
Brazil international Vinicius Jr has been approached by Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) officials about a switch to the Saudi Pro League, according to Reuters, which said the 24-year-old has been offered a five-year contract worth around 200 million euros (£171.7 million) per season before bonuses.
The outlet added that Vinicius Jr is “open” to the idea, including a separate 10-year contract as an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia.
“It is speculation from the market,” said Ancelotti, speaking ahead of Real Madrid vs Atalanta in the Super Cup 2024 in Warsaw on Wednesday (8pm BST).
“There is absolutely nothing. He wants to be here. These are things that do not affect him. He is focused, he wants to do the best for the team. He is a fantastic player, he wants to help the team to be at the top – as he has done in recent years.”
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Vinicius Jr: Saudi transfer fee
Vinicius Jr’s suitors would reportedly have to buy out his release clause of around £858.5m with the reigning Spanish champions.
Madrid extended Vinicius Jr’s contract until 2027 in an agreement reached last October with the player who joined them in 2018.
The former Flamengo livewire has won a hat-trick of La Liga titles and the Champions League twice during his Madrid career.
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Vinicius Jr contract, salary
Despite being one of the best-paid players in the world, Vinicius Jr’s purported offer from Saudi Arabia would be vast compared to his contract at Madrid.
Reports have speculated that he would earn around £300m a year in the Saudi Pro League, which would represent a huge pay rise.
Madrid pay Vinicius Jr a basic gross salary of around £17.9m, according to Capology. Kylian Mbappe, who is likely to be the top earner at the club, agreed a £106.5m signing-on bonus as part of his arrival this summer, paid over the five years of his contract.
Super Cup 2024: Mbappe ‘extraordinary’
“We haven’t had much time to train but we are doing very well and so is Kylian,” said Ancelotti, who could give the France captain his debut against Atalanta.
“He has arrived in good shape and is adapting very well. Everyone who is here can play tomorrow. He is focused on training, motivated and [working] well. He is showing extraordinary quality.”
