Real Madrid News
Saudi club director opens the door for Real Madrid superstar’s transfer: ‘I see it as a possibility…’
The possibility of Vinicius Jr. one day leaving Real Madrid may still feel distant, but fresh comments from Saudi Arabia have ensured the topic remains firmly in the spotlight.
Speaking openly about the future of elite players, Ramon Planes, currently sporting director at Al Ittihad, did little to hide his admiration for the Brazilian star.
Planes, who previously held a senior role at FC Barcelona, shared his thoughts during an appearance on Radioestadio Noche on Onda Cero (h/t MARCA).
“Yes, I see it as a possibility that players like Vinicius could be here in Saudi Arabia.
“I see the league evolving, and it is feasible to have top-level players at their peak here,” he said.
Planes expanded on this idea by explaining how recruitment strategies in the Saudi Pro League have shifted in recent seasons.
“The trend is now to sign players who are at a very good age for soccer. It’s no longer just players in the final stage of their careers who are coming here.”
Still no update on renewal talks
Planes’ comments have arrived at a delicate moment for Real Madrid.
This is because Vinicius and the club are currently locked in negotiations over a new contract, with differences over salary demands slowing progress.
While there is no immediate suggestion of a breakdown, the situation is far from resolved.
Vinicius’ current deal runs until 2027, which means that in just over six months, he will officially enter the final year of his contract.
That timing naturally increases outside interest, especially from clubs with the financial power to make disruptive offers.
Although the Brazilian has repeatedly shown his desire to continue at Real Madrid, uncertainty around renewal talks has kept the door slightly open.
From Madrid’s perspective, Vinicius remains untouchable in sporting terms. He is central to the club’s present and future, both as a leader on the pitch and as a global figure.
However, Saudi clubs have time and again made it clear that they will not step away quietly, especially when opportunities arise through contractual tension.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
