Vinicius Junior (foto: Getty Images)
Vinicius Jr. could leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia, prompting a potential Galactico-style rebuild featuring Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid could be at the center of a footballing earthquake this summer, as reports grow that Vinicius Junior might leave for Saudi Arabia in what would be the most lucrative transfer in history.
The Brazilian star has a contract until 2027, but Los Blancos are wary of losing him for free and want to renew his deal soon. However, a potential offer of €1 billion in wages and a €300 million transfer fee is reportedly on the table from the Middle East — a package too enormous to ignore.
The major sticking point is salary. Vinicius wants to become the club’s highest-paid player, above both Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe. But Florentino Perez is unwilling to break the club’s wage structure or bow to pressure.
Should Vinicius leave, Real Madrid have already lined up a plan B. According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Erling Haaland is the main target. The Norwegian star recently signed a new deal with Manchester City until 2034, reportedly without a release clause, but Madrid are ready to pay €150m–€200m if needed.
(foto: Getty Images)
The idea of an attack led by Mbappe and Haaland is already stirring dreams among Real fans, who believe it would be “fear and trembling for the whole world” — possibly the strongest duo in football history.
Still, any long-term fantasy must wait. Real Madrid face Arsenal on Wednesday in a crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg. Trailing 3-0 from the first leg, the Spanish giants need a miracle to reach the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Barcelona lead the La Liga race by four points and are favorites in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey, where the two Spanish powerhouses will clash again in the final.
Written by Barbara Cerar, Editor-in-Chief at en.nogomania.com. Follow us for more stories from international football.