A potential transfer of Vinícius Júnior to the Saudi Pro League has become \"increasingly unlikely,\" sources have told ESPN, with no new contact between the Brazilian forward and Saudi representatives since December 2024.
The previous point of contact between the Saudi Pro League and Vinícius\' camp was Saad Al Lazeez, the league\'s vice-chairman, who resigned from his position in March 2025, further complicating any potential negotiations.
Real Madrid approached Vinícius\' representatives in February to begin negotiations over a contract renewal, presenting an initial proposal described by sources as being close to the player\'s current salary of €17 million ($18.6 million) per year after tax, including bonuses from his FIFA The Best Men\'s Player award.
Vinícius\' camp responded with their own significantly different proposal, to which Madrid have yet to provide a counter-offer. Sources indicated that the club may be waiting to assess the team\'s performance across competitions this season before proceeding further.
According to sources, Vinícius\' representatives remain unconcerned about the pace of negotiations, noting that Madrid\'s approach came earlier than the club\'s standard practice of beginning contract talks two years before existing deals expire. Vinícius\' current contract runs until 2027.
The 24-year-old star remains focused on Madrid\'s current campaign as they compete for LaLiga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and this summer\'s Club World Cup, despite having his penalty saved in Saturday\'s 2-1 home defeat to Valencia.
\"I\'m very relaxed, because I have a contract until 2027, and I hope we can renew my contract as soon as possible, because I\'m happy here,\" Vinícius said during a news conference last month.
Madrid traveled to London on Monday ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Arsenal.