Al Hilal CEO Boldly Claims Vinicius Junior Transfer "Wouldn't Surprise Me"
Al Hilal's Chief Executive Officer Esteve Calzada has expressed confidence that the Saudi Pro League has the capability to attract any footballer, including Real Madrid's star player Vinícius Júnior, though he has clarified that no direct discussions have taken place with the Brazilian athlete.
Al Hilal is gearing up to challenge a transformed Madrid squad in their first match of the 2025 Club World Cup this Wednesday, with Vinícius anticipated to be selected for Xabi Alonso's debut starting lineup as the team's manager.
Earlier this year, the Brazilian international was rumored to be considering a move to the Saudi Pro League, with reports suggesting an enormous €1 billion (£852m/$1.155bn) offer. The speculated destination was Al Hilal—one of four teams in the league financially supported by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Nevertheless, Al Hilal's Calzada, during an interview with El Larguero, dismissed these rumors, indicating that no direct communication had occurred between the Saudi champions and the Madrid winger: "Vinícius joining Saudi football in the near future? I have no clue... What I can confirm is that, regarding matters I'm familiar with, there are numerous falsehoods about everything written concerning this football scene.
"Regarding Vinícius, I can definitively state that there has been absolutely no direct contact with us," he affirmed.
Vinícius's current contract with Madrid runs until 2027, and the forward is expected to solidify his long-term commitment to the Spanish giants by agreeing to a profitable extension that would keep him in the capital until 2030.
Despite this, Calzada, who previously held a management position with the City Football Group, suggests that eventually, Vinícius might end up playing in the Saudi Pro League.
"I wouldn't be astonished if any player decided to come to Saudi Arabia, including Vinícius. The country has the intention; it's a long-range plan, and the clubs possess the ambition.
"We're not finding it more difficult with younger players who are still focused on competing in the [UEFA] Champions League. From this league, you can aspire to achieve anything."
Initially, the Saudi Pro League successfully attracted veteran stars past their peak—such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema—to compete in a less challenging environment than Europe's top leagues. However, there have also been instances of younger players, either at their peak or approaching it, also being enticed by the substantial financial packages offered by PIF-backed clubs.