As the summer transfer window heats up, a major storm is quietly brewing behind the scenes at Real Madrid. While the club continues to prepare for life with new star Kylian Mbappé, reports now suggest that another marquee name could be edging toward the exit door — Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior.
According to multiple sources close to the Santiago Bernabéu, including a detailed report by The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Vinícius has become the target of an aggressive Saudi Arabian campaign aimed at luring him to the Roshn Saudi League. The unexpected development is said to have been sparked by interest from top Saudi clubs, notably Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and more recently Al-Ittihad.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is the involvement of Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s former captain and current Al-Ittihad superstar. Benzema is reportedly using his strong personal bond with Vinícius to convince him to consider the move. The two shared a powerful partnership in Madrid and developed mutual respect on and off the pitch — a relationship that now plays a central role in the Saudi push.
Benzema is said to be personally lobbying Vinícius behind closed doors, presenting the Saudi project as a golden opportunity — both from a financial and professional standpoint. He believes that the Brazilian’s arrival would elevate the Saudi League’s credibility and competitiveness, especially in light of the recent influx of global superstars like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Riyad Mahrez.
At this point, Vinícius has not ruled anything out. Sources say he is listening carefully, weighing his options. While he is deeply attached to Real Madrid and enjoys the love of the fans, the prospect of becoming the face of a new global football movement is proving difficult to ignore.
The Saudi league, backed by massive state funding, is building aggressively for the future. Adding a player of Vinícius’ caliber — still just 25 years old — would be a game-changing acquisition. Unlike the older European stars who made the jump for late-career paydays, Vinícius is in his prime, and such a transfer would signal a bold new direction for Saudi football.
Al-Ittihad, in particular, is believed to be working quietly but effectively behind the scenes. With the support of high-level investors and the club’s leadership, they are building a squad aimed at dominating both domestically and in the AFC Champions League. Adding Vinícius would instantly transform their attacking line and position them as Asia’s most high-profile team.
Meanwhile, within Real Madrid, the mood is cautious but alert. While no official offer has been made public, the board is aware of the situation. President Florentino Pérez remains opposed to losing Vinícius — especially now that the club is entering a new era alongside Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. However, as always, Madrid will listen if the price and player interest align.
The uncertainty surrounding Vinícius comes at a time when Real Madrid are redefining their squad structure. While the Mbappé transfer has electrified fans, it also raises questions about how the club will shape its forward line. Could Vinícius and Mbappé co-exist harmoniously? Or is this Saudi interest the beginning of an inevitable shift?
For now, no final decision has been made. But with Benzema pressing, Saudi money flowing, and strategic ambitions intensifying, this story is far from over. As the days tick down in the transfer window, Madridistas and football fans alike will be watching closely.
If the move happens, it may go down as one of the most shocking transfers of the decade — a Real Madrid star in his prime leaving Europe not for another top club, but for a revolution taking place in the heart of the Middle East