Vinicius Jr. Rejects Madrid Contract Offer.
Vinicius Jr has reportedly rejected the offer of a new contract from Real Madrid amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
The forward’s current deal runs until 2027 and contains a reported €1billion (£830m) release clause, but Madrid are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract. Vinicius Jr was Madrid’s key player last season as they won the Champions League, LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup.
He made 37 goal contributions in 40 games across all competitions and won The Best FIFA Men’s Player award as a result, although he did finish runner-up in the Ballon d’Or behind Rodri. And according to a new report from the Athletic, Madrid have opened talks with the 24-year-old over a contract extension.
The report states that their opening offer has been rebuffed, with the player and his representatives believing he deserves a pay rise to ‘reflect his position as one of the world ’s best players’.
Vinicius Jr has reportedly rejected the offer of a new contract from Real Madrid amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
The forward’s current deal runs until 2027 and contains a reported €1billion (£830m) release clause, but Madrid are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract. Vinicius Jr was Madrid’s key player last season as they won the Champions League, LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup.
The report adds that Vinicius Jr’s camp did hold talks about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League in August 2024 and that they are targeting a move for the winger next summer. However, he has previously stated that he wants to remain at Madrid “forever”.
Speaking after Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund to win the Champions League in October, he said: “I’m still only 24. I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived here.”
Vinicius Jr reiterated his desire to stay at the club last month after he scored his 100th goal in their 5-1 win over RB Salzburg. “It’s very important for me to reach 100 goals and be a part of this club’s history,” he told Real Madrid TV.
Vinicius Jr has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia/Angel Martinez/Getty Images
“At 24 years old, and after seven seasons, to be making history is something very important for me and my entire family. Let’s hope I can carry on here for many more years.”
Vinicius Jr is one of just 23 players to have reached the landmark for Madrid and now sits just two goals behind legendary striker Ronaldo’s tally. “Only 23 players have scored 100 goals and among them is one of my idols, Ronaldo Nazario, who has always given me a lot of advice on how to improve in front of goal, how to shoot better,” he continued.
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] too. They’re players who I’ve seen, and who have defined an era at this club. Let’s hope I can follow in their footsteps. Cristiano scored 451 goals for Real Madrid. More goals than games! And I’ve seen almost all of them. He’s an icon, who’s been with me since I was a boy. Being one of those who has reached the benchmark of 100 [goals] is a huge source of pride.”
Source: The Mirror