Vinicius Jr lined up for world record-shattering £296m Saudi transfer

VINICIUS JR is reportedly being lined up for a world-record £296million move to Saudi Arabia after his Ballon d’Or snub.

The Real Madrid superstar, 24, has emerged as a target for three Middle Eastern giants amid doubts over his long-term future at the Bernabeu.

Vinicius Jr joined Real in 2018 from Flamengo for £40million, a year after penning a contract with the Spanish giants.

He’s since scored 101 goals in 291 games while winning three titles and two Champions Leagues.

But Vini was left deeply upset last year when it emerged he had missed out on the latest Ballon d’Or award.

The winger was strong favourite to land it thanks to his domestic and European trophy wins.

Yet it emerged on the day that Man City’s Rodri had pipped him to the post.

It prompted an outcry from Vinicius Jr’s club Real, who snubbed the ceremony.

But despite their support, Give Me Sport claims Vini could soon end up leaving them for pastures new.

It’s reckoned Saudi pay masters are ready to spend £296m on Vinicius Jr this summer, with Al-Ahli the most likely destination.

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The Saudi club already boasts ex-Premier League stars including Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.

But Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al-Hilal — who reportedly want to replace Neymar with Liverpool’s Mo Salah — have also shown interest.

As it happens, Neymar still holds the current world record transfer fee for his £200m switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Real have no intention of selling Vinicius Jr, even though his exit would allow struggling Kylian Mbappe to play off his favoured left-hand side.

And the Brazilian will have a big decision to make if a Saudi bid does emerge for him at the end of the season.