Vinicius Jr could be subject to interest from Saudi Pro League clubs - with the Real Madrid winger potentially set to command a fee in the region of $1 billion.
The 24-year-old soccer star is one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or after his impressive displays for Los Blancos last season as he tallied up 24 goals in 29 appearances during a successful campaign. The Spanish giants became European Champions for the 15th time last term, with the forward playing a crucial role in their triumph, scoring in the Champions League final versus Borussia Dortmund .
After six campaigns at Santiago Bernabeu, the free-scoring ace is now attracting interest from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). The body, which owns several Saudi Pro League teams, is said to be weighing up parting with a nine-figure sum to bring Vini Jr to the Gulf State, as per ge.globo.com .
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They claim that Madrid would not accept an offer less than $1 billion for the two-time Champions League victor, who could command a wage of the same figure over five years. An agreement with the player in this region would make him the highest paid player in the Saudi Pro League - even dwarfing the figure being earned by Cristiano Ronaldo.
At present, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend is earning $220m per year while playing for Al Nassr. However, with Vini Jr under contract with his current employers in La Liga for the next three years, it remains to be seen whether the player would be tempted by the chance to earn a salary worth 13-times more than his wage at Madrid.
The speculation regarding the player's future led to Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti having to field questions about whether he is expecting the star to stay put this summer. Speaking before the European Super Cup final versus Atalanta, the Italian said: "There is nothing. It is just speculation at this moment in the market. Nothing more. He is happy to be here.”
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When pressed on the current situation surrounding his forward line, the former AC Milan and Chelsea head coach appeared to be pleased with the options at his disposal. He said: “I have a very big problem. All summer I have been thinking about who to put in and who not to.
"It has ruined my holidays. It’s simple. They are all good. This problem doesn’t exist. We have a lot of games. I can’t think that the same eleven will play 70 games. Last year, those who played less contributed a lot. This year could be a key."
As for the rise of the Saudi Pro League in recent times, Ancelotti added that he felt no threat, saying: " We have our role and our project. We have a high-quality squad. We can achieve something very good and we are working towards this. We have lost some players and others have arrived who need to adapt. The collective attitude was key last year."
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