Real Madrid have been dealt yet another blow after Vinicius Jr reportedly turned down the chance to enter contract negotiations with the Spanish giants.
Madrid have dominated discourse over the last week after representatives refused to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in wake of Vinicius being snubbed of the award.
The Brazilian missed out on the prestigious trophy to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, while Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham came third.
Now, Vinicius has caused controversy yet again amid reports from Spain claiming he’s turned down the opportunity to enter contract renewal talks.
According to Relevo, the Ballon d’Or runner-up thanked Madrid chiefs for their interest in renewing his deal and listened to the offer but ultimately did not sign it.
Vinicius Jr has reportedly turned down the chance to enter contract negotiations with Madrid
The winger’s current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu will run until the end of 2026-27 season
Vinicius’ current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until 2027 however Madrid will be keen to tie him down to a deal amid growing interest from Saudi Arabia.
In August, according to ge.globo.com, a proposal from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund for Vinicius to join Al-Ahli was delivered to his representatives.
The offer is said to be worth €1bn over five years – with the proposed annual salary 13 times higher than Vinicius is currently earning at the Bernabeu.
PIF were looking to persuade Vinicius to become the face of the league ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which is set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
However, Real Madrid had no intention of selling Vinicius and the player was eager to remain at the club and continue working under Carlo Ancelotti.
Reports at the time also claimed that Vinicius had set his targets on winning the Ballon d’Or during his time at Madrid – which he narrowly missed on Monday.
Early ‘leaked’ news of the result resulted Vinicius and his Madrid colleagues to sensationally boycott the glitzy awards ceremony just hours before it started in Paris.
Vinicius was a hot favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or after his vital contribution helped lead Madrid to a LaLiga-UEFA Champions League double.
Florentino Perez and his Madrid players did not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony
Their decision came after leaks confirmed Man City’s Rodri would win the award over Vinicius
He hit six goals and four assists in 10 Champions League appearances and tallied 20 goal involvements in 26 La Liga matches.
Ahead of the event, RMC reported that Madrid president Florentino Perez was furious with the decision.
Journalist Jose Luis Sanchez claimed a 50-strong party was scheduled to jet out, only for them to cancel after discovering Vinicius would not win.
He has won two Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey.
