Carlo Ancelotti is ‘sick of hearing’ questions about the future of Vinicius JR, but insists that he is not concerned that Real Madrid can lose the winger to a team from Saudi Arabia.
Finance reports emerged yesterday that the Brazili wing player met Saudi Pro League leaders in 2023 and a five-year deal was offered worth € 1 billion and that the proposal remains on the table.
The representatives of Vinicius JR regard the offer as “unprecedented and uncomfortable”, according to Radio Marca, but the player said after the victory of the Champions League in Manchester City that he wanted to stay in Madrid.
The future of Vinicius JR has been rumbling for some time and it is assumed that the club is enthusiastic for him to sign an extension of his current contract that will expire in 2027.
Asked about the situation today, Ancelotti said: ‘am I tired of hearing about this? Yes. Am I worried? No. Does he seem happy? Yes. And we are happy with him.
‘I have nothing to add to what I told you a few weeks ago. It is not a matter of being discussed here. We don’t talk about that here, and he didn’t. I think Vinicius looks the same as ever, enthusiastic to prove that he is doing the right things.
“He performed brilliantly in the last game and he will continue to do this because he is just starting to regain that match fitness after his injuries. He looks very motivated, especially when you see what he did against City. The pressure was on him and he treated it very well by making the difference in the competition. “
⚽🔙⏳ Memories from our last game in Pamplona! pic.twitter.com/vjya0xa0pv
– Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 14, 2025
Ancelotti cannot answer questions about Saudi offer
When asked about the reported mega-fer from Saudi Arabia, the Italian added: “I cannot answer these questions about whether or not he has received offers or whether he will change his mind. All I can do is tell you what I see, what a happy football player is who wants to do a good job and sets history at this club, that’s all. “
Madrid hit an improvised back four on Etihad and it is probably a similar line-up when they go to Pamplona to take Osasuna in La Liga tomorrow.
Ancelotti is hopeful that he will have two major players – Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba – back for the second stage of their Champions League Knock -Out Phase Playoff against City next week.
“They improve,” he said. “They continue to work individually until Monday, and from Tuesday they will be back at the team and available for the match against City, and the same applies to Lucas Vázquez.”
We are in good condition – Ancelotti
Madrid is on top of La Liga, but Atletico Madrid is only one point of drift with Barcelona one point back.
“We are in good condition and very motivated,” said Ancelotti. “It is an opportunity to stay at the top of the table, which is our goal. It will be a difficult game, but we come from the back of a good result and we want to consolidate it. We must see a repeat of all the good things we have done in this match against Manchester City.
“We have learned how important it is to prove that dedication, we saw it in the Etihad Stadium. We delivered in a big game. Of course we have to stay consistent and tomorrow will be a good test in that sense.
“This is a team that has a good understanding of the perfect moment to push. If they do not see tomorrow that this is the right time to increase it, because it is a very tight La Liga season with our rivals that breathes in our neck, then we are wrong. It is an essential game. “
