Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has rejected a mega-money offer to join the Saudi Pro League this summer.
The Brazilian international is heavily tipped to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award after playing a vital role in Real Madrid's La Lia and UEFA Champions League title double in 2023/24.
The 24-year-old has returned to preseason training ahead of the new campaign following an extended post-Copa America break and his future remains in the Spanish capital.
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Vini Jr would cost €1 billion
As per an exclusive report from The Athletic, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) delegation, working on behalf of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport, reached out to Vinicius' representatives over a potential move.
Los Blancos have no intention of selling their key man, with a €1 billion ($1.1bn) release clause inserted into his contract, which runs until 2027 and Vinicius is determined to continue winning trophies in Madrid.
PIF are looking to secure another world star to be the face of their 2034 FIFA World Cup project but Vinicius is not interested in a move to the Middle East.
The report adds a future PIF-backed offer for the former Flamengo forward is not ruled out, but the group will move on to fresh targets for 2024, with Vinicius' Brazilian teammate Richarlison already rejecting a summer move to Riyadh.
Overall transfer spending from Saudi clubs has dropped in the last twelve months, following a major splurge last summer, but they are still expecting to lure European-based players in the coming weeks.
