Overview

• Al-Ahli, controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, lodged a €350 million offer on July 18, eclipsing the €222 million Neymar benchmark.
• Real Madrid’s renewal negotiations have stalled, leaving Vinícius Jr. on his €15 million-per-year contract through 2027.
• The 25-year-old winger has publicly expressed his wish to stay at the Bernabéu while pushing to at least double his current salary.
• The PIF’s strategy of attracting elite talent has already drawn Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and other stars to the Saudi Pro League.
• Florentino Pérez and the club’s board now face a choice between accepting a record payout or meeting the player’s heightened demands.