Real Madrid Set €1 Billion Release Clause as Saudi Clubs Eye Vinícius Júnior
Saudi Arabia’s football project is determined to lure the Brazilian star, but Florentino Pérez has made it clear: he will only leave for his full release clause.
Saudi Arabia’s football revolution continues to shake the transfer market, with its clubs targeting some of the biggest names in world football. Now, their most ambitious goal is none other than Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid’s talismanic forward and one of the global icons of the game.
Yet prising him away from the Santiago Bernabéu will not be easy. According to Defensa Central, Florentino Pérez has placed a staggering €1 billion release clause on the Brazilian, making it clear that only through this mechanism could Vinícius ever leave for the Middle East.
A Historic Fee
Should a Saudi club decide to trigger the clause, it would mark the most expensive transfer in football history—by a massive margin. The deal would dwarf Neymar’s €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, which completely transformed the market.
Breaking such a barrier would not only set a new benchmark but also create a dangerous precedent in player valuations. Even for the Saudi project, accustomed to lavish spending, paying €1 billion for a single player would be an unprecedented statement.
Vinícius’ Uncertain Stance
Despite Saudi interest, Vinícius has not shown strong intent to leave. At 25, he remains one of Real Madrid’s cornerstones, with plenty of room for growth. His partnership with Kylian Mbappé is viewed by many as the future of Madrid’s attack, further cementing his importance to the club.
This makes his departure unlikely, even under favorable conditions, something the Madrid board has reinforced publicly. The €1 billion figure is not only a safeguard but also a reflection of how highly the club values him.
Florentino Pérez Stays Firm
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is waiting to see what steps Saudi clubs might take, but the message from Chamartín is firm: Vinícius is untouchable unless the release clause is met in full.
As the transfer window approaches, Vinícius’ future is set to be one of the hottest talking points. For now, however, Madrid fans can rest assured—only the most extraordinary and unlikely deal in football history could take their Brazilian star away.
