Vinicius rejects new Real Madrid deal as Saudi Arabia threat looms

Despite having two more years remaining on his contract, expiring in June 2027, Real Madrid are reportedly negotiating with Vinicius Junior over a new long-term deal. The 24-year-old superstar has become one of Madrid's key players over the past few seasons, having won the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with the 'Los Blancos' outfit.
With individual recognitions such as The Best FIFA Men's Player award and a Ballon d'Or nomination, the Spaniards are keen on securing Vinicius' future in the capital. However, the same may not apply to the Brazilian, who has reportedly rejected the club's first proposal for renewal. According to 'the Athletic', the player and his representatives believe Real Madrid's offer does not "reflect his position as one of the world ’s best players".
It is understood that Vinicius is reluctant to accept the salary offered by the 'Merengues' because it is similar to that of Kylian Mbappe - around €15 million net per season. The same source reports that the Brazilian intends to be the club's highest-paid player, above the earnings of other superstars in the team such as Jude Bellingham and the same French striker.
The situation has sparked debates on where Vinicius Junior will go next, with a door particularly open for him in Saudi Arabia. The player's camp had held talks with representatives and met with Saudi clubs last summer to discuss a possible transfer, which ultimately did not materialise. Like now, Real Madrid wanted to renew his contract, but the Brazilian's representatives refused to talk to the club.
'The Athletic' also reports that Saudi representatives approached the player's entourage again in December, assuring them that they still wanted Vinicius to join the club for next season. Nevertheless, Vinicius has said multiple times that he intends to stay with Real Madrid "forever". Speaking after the win over Borussia Dortmund">Borussia Dortmund in 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 further reiterated his desire to stay with the La Liga giants last month after scoring his 100th goal in their 5-1 win against RB Salzburg in the Champions League. "It's very important for me to reach 100 goals and be a part of this club's history," he told Real Madrid TV. "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."