Real Madrid star held private talks with Saudi officials and is tempted by an ‘unrejectable’ offer | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has received a staggering contract offer worth €1 billion for five seasons, equating to an annual salary of €200 million.

According to MARCA, this lucrative proposal has been in the works since 2023, with discussions still ongoing. The Brazilian star has been kept informed of every step of the negotiations from the very beginning.

It is said that in 2023, Vinicius personally sat down with representatives from Saudi Arabia. The discussion, which lasted around fifteen minutes, was not just focused on financial incentives but also included details about the sporting and personal aspects of the project.

This first meeting was attended by key figures, including members of Vinicius’ inner circle, intermediaries, and high-ranking officials from the Royal House of Saudi Arabia.

The primary goal was to persuade the Real Madrid star by highlighting the potential benefits beyond just financial gain. Alongside the immense contract, he was offered a role as an ambassador for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will be hosting.

There was another meeting

Following the initial conversation, a second, more formal meeting took place in Prague, chosen as a neutral and discreet location away from media attention.

Vinicius Jr. has a mammoth offer on the table. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Here, Vinicius’ representatives met with Saad Al Lazeez, the vice-president of the Saudi Pro League, to discuss the financial details of the offer.

The proposed amount remains unchanged at €1 billion for five years, making it one of the most lucrative contracts ever seen in football.

As of now, the exact club in Saudi Arabia that Vinicius would join remains uncertain. There is strong interest in having him play in Jeddah, but Neymar’s potential departure from Saudi football could alter the final destination.

Ball in Vinicius’ court

The offer is already set for this summer, and it remains to be seen how the Brazilian forward will respond. Initially, he was sceptical about leaving Real Madrid, but his stance appears to be shifting as negotiations progress.

One factor that might influence his decision is the series of racist incidents he has faced while playing in Spain.

Over the past few seasons, these issues have put him in an uncomfortable situation, and a move away from La Liga could provide a fresh start.

Saudi Arabia’s offer not only promises financial security but also an opportunity to play a significant role in the country’s footballing ambitions leading up to the 2034 World Cup.