Glory over Money: Ancelotti insists Vinicius will not follow Boniface’s footsteps after ₦476b Saudi deal proposal

Glory over Money: Ancelotti insists Vinicius will not follow Boniface’s footsteps after ₦476b Saudi deal proposal

Kolawole Babatunde 13:16 - 29.01.2025

The Real Madrid manager has dismissed concerns over the possibility of losing Vinicius Junior to a world-record bid from the Saudi Pro League, insisting the Brazilian remains fully committed to the club.

Saudi officials have reportedly been eyeing Vinicius for months, and their interest has intensified following Neymar’s departure from Al Hilal. 

Reports suggest an astronomical €300 million bid could soon be tabled, which will make it a world record move if it comes to fruition.

The Saudi wave has been going on in recent years, with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane already on board, and Nigerian striker Victor Boniface set to be the latest in a mega move from Bayer Leverkusen.

However, Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that the forward will choose the glory of Madrid over potential riches.

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“Vinicius is happy at Real Madrid" – Ancelotti

Vinicius Jr of real Madrid || X

Despite speculation that Vinicius might consider a switch, the winger reaffirmed his loyalty to Madrid after winning the Best FIFA Men's Player award in December, giving Ancelotti confidence that his star forward will not be swayed by Saudi riches.

Asked whether he could understand Vinicius making such a move, Ancelotti told the media:

"I understand everything in football. I also understood why, for example, Toni Kroos left football; few understood it, but maybe I understood it the same way he did.

"These are individual decisions, but I see [Vinicius] happy, wanting to stay here to win titles with Real Madrid. I think he is thinking of choosing glory."

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have made their stance clear that any club hoping to sign Vinicius will have to meet his staggering €1 billion release clause. 

Unless the player himself submits a formal transfer request, Los Blancos have no intention of negotiating his exit.

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