Real Madrid are reportedly considering selling one of their top players, and they’ve already picked out a Premier League star as their ideal replacement.
After completing early deals for Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and River Plate youngster Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid have been relatively in the transfer market.
Instead of bringing in several other new players, it appears that the Spanish giants have been mainly focusing on outgoings in recent weeks.
After reports that he was growing increasingly frustrated with new manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo appears to be the most likely player to leave this summer, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly interested.
However, a new report has revealed that Real Madrid may be prepared to sell another of their star players, and they’ve already identified a perfect replacement.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid’s discussions with Vinicius Jr regarding a new contract have stalled in recent weeks, ahead of his current deal expiring in 2027.
The report claims that the Brazilian has already agreed to renew his contract, but the club is struggling to meet his financial demands, with Vinicius reportedly asking to be paid the same salary as Kylian Mbappe, as well as a renewal bonus.
It is Real Madrid’s hope that they can negotiate more achievable financial demands with Vinicius in a meeting after club officials and players return from their holiday, but if not then they could be open to selling him.
Should it become clear that Vinicius is available in the market this summer, there will no doubt be several clubs interested in securing his signature, however a move to the Saudi Pro League appears to be the most likely.
Saudi officials are believed to have been in regular contact with Vinicius and his representatives for several months and are willing to pay him a shocking salary of a billion euros (£868.65m) per season, making him the best paid player in the world.
Although they are yet to make any kind of official offer, the Saudi Pro League are believed to be willing to pay Real Madrid a record fee of €350m (£303.96m) for their star player.
Florentino Perez picks world-class Vinicius Jr replacement
Although it remains Real Madrid’s preference to extend Vinicius’ stay at the bernabeu, it appears they may already be preparing for his exit, as club president Perez has named his dream replacement for the Brazilian.
According to the report from Spanish radio station SER, via Mundo Deportivo, Perez has selected Manchester City star Erling Haaland as the only suitable option to take Vinicius place in the squad.
They claim that it is Perez’s dream to see Mbappe and Haaland play together for Real Madrid, and that this is viewed as something that would be made possible by the sale of Vinicius Jr.
However, it remains to be seen if City would be willing to entertain any offer for their star striker, who is under contract until 2034, or if Real Madrid would pay the astronomical fee that such a transfer would demand.