Real Madrid are in the thick of the fight for three titles. The Whites are battling it out with Barça and Atlético de Madrid for the league championship and are also looking to win the Copa del Rey—where both of those teams are also involved—and will face Real Sociedad this Wednesday. One of the most coveted titles is the Champions League where, after decisively overcoming Manchester City, the first step towards the final in Munich is the round of 16 tie against Atleti.
It’s a lot of pressure for a Real Madrid that is also working hard off the pitch. The Chamartín team has many fronts open and uncertainties to resolve for the coming season. Movements were not expected in the attack, where the Madrid team boasts its biggest stars, but the heavy reliance on Vinicius could leave a gap that would need to be filled, so some players are being monitored.
Saudi Arabia’s bid for Vinicius
Saudi football has entered the market with considerable force; the major clubs in the Arab league are willing to pull out all the stops to sign Vinicius. According to people close to him, there is an offer on the table for €1 billion net over five years. These figures would make the Brazilian the highest-paid sportsman of all time. The amount is colossal and unattainable for any European club—even Real Madrid. Although Vinicius has stated on more than one occasion that he is willing to have a long and happy career wearing the white shirt, the temptation of such an astronomical contract could make him hesitate if the Madrid team does not agree to his salary demands.
Vinicius wants to be the highest paid to stay
At the present moment, Vinicius Jr. receives just over €15 million net (plus variables) per season, as per the revision of his contract in line with players such as Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. However, the Brazilian player feels that the level of performance he has shown this season and his importance to the team entitle him to a contract of a higher status. Vinicius has asked for a net salary of at least €25 million per year—an amount that could make him the highest-paid player in the squad and exceed the total that Mbappé currently receives.
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Jamie Gittens
Faced with the possibility of Vinicius leaving, Real Madrid are constantly keeping tabs on the market. Among the players they are following, according to Relevo, is Jamie Gittens—a 20-year-old who usually plays as a left winger but who performs well on both sides of the attack. The player is registered with Borussia Dortmund, where he has scored eleven goals (four of them in the Champions League) and provided five assists. In England, both Manchester City and other major teams—Chelsea among them—are monitoring him. The Englishman has a market value of €50 million according to Transfermarkt.
Jude Bellingham recommends him
One of the key players in the white squad, whose opinion counts, Jude Bellingham—currently serving a suspension—has taken a stand on the signing of Gittens, making it clear to Florentino Pérez that Jamie Gittens “cannot be overlooked,” indicating that he is a striker with great potential, according to Madrid-Barcelona.com. Bellingham had himself followed a similar path not long ago. In 2020, he left England to continue his development at Borussia Dortmund and, from there, to shine at Real Madrid.