After Vinicius, Saudi Arabia Wants Another Real Madrid Star!

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the football transfer market are far from over. After setting their sights on Vinicius Junior, the Middle Eastern powerhouse is now targeting another key Real Madrid figure—Rodrygo Goes. The young Brazilian winger, often overshadowed by bigger names at the Santiago Bernabéu, has emerged as a prime target for the Saudi Pro League, with Al Hilal leading the charge to lure him away.

According to reports from Brazilian media outlet O Globo, Al Hilal is eager to make Rodrygo the face of their long-term project. The Saudi club, still searching for a proper successor to Neymar after his injury struggles, sees Rodrygo as the ideal candidate to step into the spotlight. They believe he has the potential to thrive as a marquee player, something he has struggled to achieve at Real Madrid, where he is frequently rotated under Carlo Ancelotti.

Rodrygo’s frustrations with his role in Madrid have not gone unnoticed. The winger has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his inconsistent playing time, a concern that Saudi football executives have taken seriously. Al Hilal is reportedly willing to offer him an undisputed leadership role, a lucrative salary, and a prestigious ambassadorial position for the 2034 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host.

The appeal of such an offer is undeniable. While Rodrygo is an integral part of Real Madrid’s attacking setup, he has often had to play second fiddle to Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and even Brahim Díaz at times. At Al Hilal, he would be the focal point of the team, a status that could be tempting for a player eager to establish himself as a global superstar.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push, the biggest hurdle remains Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have no immediate plans to part ways with Rodrygo, who is under contract until 2028 with a staggering €1 billion release clause. Losing such a talented winger—especially in the same window where Vinicius Junior is also being pursued—would be a devastating blow to their attacking setup.

Club president Florentino Pérez is well aware of the growing interest from Saudi Arabia but remains firm in his stance. Real Madrid sees Rodrygo as an essential piece of their future and has no intention of weakening their squad, particularly as they continue their quest for European and domestic dominance.

Furthermore, with Kylian Mbappé’s potential arrival still uncertain, Madrid is wary of disrupting their attacking chemistry too soon. While the club is always open to blockbuster deals, they are unlikely to entertain any offer that does not meet their astronomical valuation of the player.

For Rodrygo himself, the decision is a tricky one. On one hand, staying at Real Madrid allows him to compete at the highest level, potentially winning more Champions League and La Liga titles. On the other, a move to Saudi Arabia could offer him financial security, stardom, and a guaranteed starting role, something he does not always have under Ancelotti.

The interest in Rodrygo also reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to dominate the football market. Over the past year, they have successfully signed top European talents, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Sadio Mané. Adding Rodrygo to their ranks would further strengthen their claim as one of football’s newest powerhouses.

At the moment, negotiations are still in the exploratory phase. Al Hilal has reportedly initiated discussions to understand the feasibility of a potential deal, but no official offer has been submitted yet. Real Madrid’s response will likely dictate how serious Saudi Arabia is in their pursuit of Rodrygo.

However, if past transfers are any indication, money will not be an issue. Saudi clubs have already proven their willingness to offer astronomical wages to attract elite talent. Rodrygo, still only 23, could command one of the most lucrative contracts in football history if he decides to make the move.

Ultimately, the outcome of this saga will depend on Rodrygo’s personal ambitions. Will he fight for his place at one of the biggest clubs in the world, or will he embrace a new challenge in a rapidly growing football market?

One thing is certain—Saudi Arabia is not slowing down, and their relentless pursuit of Real Madrid’s top stars could reshape the football landscape in the coming years.