Saudi clubs are ready to come back for the Real Madrid star. This time, with an official offer

Saudi Arabian clubs have admitted defeat in the race for Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior this summer, but in principle they have not given up on the idea of signing the forward.

According to Goal, citing Brazilian media, the leader of Carlo Ancelotti’s team turned down the Saudi club's offer because he doesn't want to fall out of the race for the Ballon d'Or, where he is one of the favourites.

However, it was all at the level of talk, as the Saudi clubs never came out with an official offer to either Vinicius himself or Real Madrid. The €1bn clause is still valid.

The Middle Eastern clubs are ready to come out with a more concrete offer next summer, as those intend to build a long-term partnership with him as Saudi Arabia move closer to becoming the host nation of the 2034 World Cup. Such a status player would just about raise the country's sporting profile.