Madrid:  Expressing confidence in his ace striker Vinícius Junior, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti brushed aside rumors regarding the Brazil striker’s potential move to one of the clubs in Saudi Arabia. While addressing the reports about Vinícius being lured away, Ancelotti said that he is not worried about his trusted forward.

“I am not concerned because he is happy (here). I see that he is extremely motivated,” the Real Madrid coach said on Friday about his star forward. The Spanish and foreign sports media have spent weeks speculating that the 24-year-old Brazil international is the target of at least one Saudi Arabian club. Allegedly, Al-Hilal could be interested in a big-name signing ahead of the Club World Cup in June following Neymar's departure.

It would be a massive blow to Madrid if its speedy forward became the latest prominent player to make the move to the cash-rich league, following Cristiano Ronaldo's lead three years ago. “I see a happy player who is playing well and wants to make history with this club,” Ancelotti said a day before Madrid defends its Spanish league lead at Osasuna.

Vinícius has not directly commented on a move to Saudi Arabia for what would likely offer a much more lucrative salary. His current deal with Madrid runs through June 2027, and he recently mentioned that he is in talks with Madrid about an extension. “If God is willing, then we will be able to conclude our talks in the coming days, and I can stay here even longer,” the player said after helping Madrid win 3-2 at Manchester City in the Champions League playoffs.

Vinícius has helped Madrid win two Champions League titles and three Spanish league crowns. He finished second in the vote for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri. | AP