Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior said he was focused on “continuing to develop and help the biggest club in the world” despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
Vinicius scored twice in Madrid’s 5-1 Champions League win over RB Salzburg at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, to take the tally to seven goals in six CL matches this season.
ESPN reported last week that the Saudi Pro League remained interested in signing the Brazil international and made contact with his entourage last month, after first approaching them about a possible deal in the summer last.
“My next step is to always keep in mind the improvement of my game, to continue developing and to help the biggest club in the world,” Vinícius told TNT Brasil on Wednesday. “I dreamed of arriving here and playing with great players. That’s my dream, to think now, to think big and to be able to win more trophies with this jersey.”
Vinícius did not reject the idea of a Saudi transfer last summer, sources told ESPN, but negotiations did not progress and the players’ camp was aware that for a deal to be reached, Madrid should accept a transfer fee well below their €1. $1 billion ($1 billion) release clause.
Representatives of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls the top four clubs in the Saudi league, re-contacted Vinicius’ representatives in December to make it clear that their interest remains active.
The signing of Madrid Kylian Mbappé has given rise to speculation that Vinícius – who also favors a left-striker role – may now be surplus to requirements at the Bernabéu.
“We are very happy with Kylian,” Vinícius told TNT Brasil. “The beginnings are always complicated, but he managed to adapt well. Kylian is such a great player that even when he adapts, he still scores a lot of goals. Rodrygo and I’m going to do everything we can to make Mbappé top scorer in all competitions, because that’s why he came here.”
Mbappé is the second top scorer in La Liga with 12 goals, behind Robert Lewandowski out of 16, and has three goals in the Champions League, with 21 players having scored more.
