Al-Hilal gears up to face Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup opener, spotlighting ongoing Saudi Pro League interest in Vinicius Junior.
Al-Hilal President, Esteve Calzada acknowledged that while no direct agreement was reached with the Brazilian winger, the league’s leadership has engaged with various teams, signaling their intent to attract top talent like Vinicius.
Backed by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia previously offered staggering sums reportedly up to €1 billion over five years to secure the star, aiming to elevate the league’s global stature following Neymar’s exit from Al-Hilal.
Vinicius, however, remains committed to Real Madrid, where he is contracted until 2027 and negotiating an extension to 2030. Despite Saudi Arabia’s persistent efforts, including talks with his entourage in 2023 and 2024, Vinicius has emphasized his desire to stay, driven by recent successes like two Champions League titles.
Real Madrid’s firm stance on his €1 billion release clause and Vinicius’ focus on further achievements at 24 make a transfer a formidable challenge for Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League, despite their financial firepower.
