Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti discusses €1bn mega-offer for Vinicius Jr

Carlo Ancelotti is “sick of hearing” questions relating to the future of Vinicius Jr but insists he is not concerned Real Madrid may lose the winger to a team from Saudi Arabia.

Reports emerged late yesterday that the Brazil winger met with Saudi Pro League chiefs in 2023 and was offered a five-year deal worth €1bn and that the proposal remains on the table.

Vinicius Jr’s representatives consider the offer “unprecedented and unrejectable”, according to Radio MARCA, but the player said following Tuesday’s Champions League win at Manchester City that he wanted to remain at Madrid.

The future of Vinicius Jr has rumbled on for quite some time and it is believed the club are eager for him to sign an extension to his current contract that expires in 2027.

Asked about the situation today, Ancelotti said: “Am I sick of hearing about this? Yes. Am I concerned? No. Does he seem happy? Yes. And we’re happy with him. 

“I have nothing to add to what I told you a few weeks back. It’s not a matter to be discussed here. We don’t talk about that here, and he doesn’t either. I think Vinicius looks the same as ever, eager to prove he’s doing the right things.

“He performed brilliantly in the last game and he will continue to do so because he’s just starting to regain that match fitness after his injuries. He looks highly motivated, especially when you see what he did against City. The pressure was on him and he dealt with it superbly by making the difference in the match.”

⚽🔙⏳ Memories from our last game in Pamplona! pic.twitter.com/vJYA0xa0pv

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 14, 2025

Ancelotti unable to answer questions on Saudi offer

Asked about the reported mega-offer from Saudi Arabia, the Italian added: “I can’t answer these questions about whether or not he’s received any offers or if he’ll change his mind. All I can do is tell you what I see, which is a happy footballer keen to do a good job and make history at this club, that’s all.”

Madrid fielded a makeshift back four at the Etihad and it is likely to be a similar line-up when they go to Pamplona to take on Osasuna in La Liga tomorrow.

Ancelotti is hopeful he will have two major players – Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba – back for the second leg of their Champions League knockout phase playoff against City next week, however.

“They’re improving,” he said. “They’re going to keep working individually until Monday, then starting Tuesday they’ll be back with the team and available for the game against City, and the same goes for Lucas Vázquez.”

We’re in good shape – Ancelotti

Madrid sit atop La Liga but Atletico Madrid are just one point adrift with Barcelona a further point back.

“We’re in good shape and highly motivated,” said Ancelotti. “It’s an opportunity to stay at the top of the table, which is our aim. It’ll be a difficult game but we’re coming off the back of a good result and we want to consolidate it. We need to see a repeat of all the good things we did against Manchester City in this match.

“We’ve learned how important it is to show that commitment, we saw it at the Etihad Stadium. We delivered in a big game. Of course we have to remain consistent and tomorrow will be a good test in that sense.

“This is a team who have a great understanding of the perfect moment to push. If tomorrow they don’t see that this is the right moment to step it up, because it’s a very tight La Liga season with our rivals breathing down our necks, then we’re mistaken. It’s a vital game.”