The coexistence of superstars in Real Madrid locker room appears to be generating tension. According to various sources, Vinícius Jr. and his entourage have perceived the arrival of Kylian Mbappé as a direct threat, to the point of demanding during renewal talks to become the highest-paid player in the squad. A request that has not been well received by president Florentino Pérez, who sees it more as a clash of egos than a financial issue.

From the club leadership, the stance is clear: if forced to choose between the Brazilian and the Frenchman, Real Madrid’s strategic bet is on Mbappé.

Out-of-Context Financial Demands

Negotiations have stalled. Vinícius’s agent has reportedly asked for figures far beyond what the club is willing to offer, even though Real Madrid had considered a salary increase beyond the $75 million net that the player will have earned by the end of his current contract in 2027.

However, the outlook has shifted. Vinícius is no longer the game-changing star many expected to see celebrating a Ballon d’Or in Paris with over 50 global sports icons, as was speculated last May. His performance has declined, and with Xabi Alonso now on the sidelines, his role within the team has diminished significantly.

Saudi Arabia Back in the Picture

Amid this scenario, the Saudi Pro League has reemerged as a potential destination for the Brazilian forward. According to English journalist Ben Jacobs on TalkSPORT, Saudi Arabia is preparing a $350 million offer to lure Real Madrid into selling.

The club had anticipated such moves, especially after renewal talks cooled and the player’s influence in the team’s new project began to fade.

Underwhelming Season for Vinícius

The 2024–25 campaign has been largely forgettable for the former Ballon d’Or hopeful. His form has dipped since missing out on the prestigious award. He has lost sharpness in one-on-one situations and clarity in the final third, and his impact has been minimal in key matches against the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG.

Vinícius played in 58 of Real Madrid’s 68 matches this season, scoring 22 goals and providing 19 assists most of them coming in the first half of the season.

Is the Saudi League His Best Option?

Despite the dip in form, Vinícius Jr. remains a top target for Saudi Arabia, which aims to make him the face of its league in the coming years. Back in January, there were reports of a staggering offer: $1.162 billion over five years, plus $350 million for Real Madrid. At that time, the Spanish club didn’t even entertain the proposal, pointing directly to his $1 billion release clause.

Today, the situation is different. Vinícius faces a defining moment in his career: he can either focus on regaining his form in a competitive, ego-free environment or choose to begin a new chapter in Saudi soccer where he would be welcomed as a global superstar.