Real Madrid suffer Vinicius Junior contract blow after Saudi Pro League transfer decision

Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Junior has decided to wait until the end of the season before making a decision on interest from the Saudi Pro League, according to a report.

The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the world's best wingers with Los Blancos and is one of the leading candidates to claim this year's Ballon d'Or after his starring performances powered the club to a La Liga and Champions League double in 2023/24.

His success has seen him become a high-profile target for Saudi Arabia, where officials remain keen to sign up the world's biggest talents after previously recruiting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante.

It had been reported that Vinicius had said no to a potential transfer to the Middle East this summer, with Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti rubbishing the rumours as "just speculation".

However, ESPN now report the Brazil international has delayed making a decision on his future until 2025 as he does not want to scupper his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.

Lucrative wages in the region of €350m a year were said to have been discussed with the former Flamengo attacker, who has a €1bn release clause in his current contract with Madrid. The Spanish and European champions were not willing to negotiate a fee lower than that monstrous figure, but there is thought to be optimism from the Saudi Pro League that Madrid will lower their demands next year when Vinicius will have only two seasons left on his deal.

The Saudi interest is thought to have played a role in Vinicius holding off on new contract talks with Madrid, with the two-time Champions League winner wanting time to decide his future.

Vinicius grabbed assists in Madrid's first two games of the season - the UEFA Supercup triumph over Atalanta and the 1-1 draw with Mallorca - and should feature when Ancelotti's side take on Real Valladolid on Sunday.

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