Ramon Planes, the sporting director for the Saudi team, stated in his comments broadcasted by ‘Radio Marca’: ‘We have not negotiated or talked with Vinicius,’ while also noting that ‘it is natural for a player like Vinicius to be associated with a prominent role possessing such strength and influence.’ Several previous reports linked the Brazilian star to a move to the Saudi league, especially after negotiations between him and Real Madrid’s management regarding contract renewal stalled.
Tensions escalated when Vinicius Junior’s negotiations turned into a public confrontation between the player and the club’s management. Associates of the player accused the club president, Florentino Perez, of lying after news circulated about an agreement between the parties to extend the contract until 2030, which the Brazilian star’s camp denied, asserting that the proposed salary does not differ from his current contract of 20 million euros annually.
On the other hand, reports conveyed that Perez informed the player’s agents that the contract renewal depends on his performance improvement, considering his level last season was unacceptable, especially in light of his demand for a salary equivalent to that of Kylian Mbappe (31 million euros annually). Vinicius Junior is considered one of the team’s mainstays in recent seasons, contributing to several local and European titles for ‘Real Madrid’. However, his recent performance decline has sparked a new crisis within the ‘royal’ club.
To date, the Brazilian Vinicius Junior has played 314 matches in the ‘Real Madrid’ jersey, scoring 105 goals and providing 79 assists, contributing to the team’s 14 titles. Vinicius has repeatedly affirmed his desire to stay, but financial disagreements and the delay in contract renewal might push him to consider a new move.
