Manchester City faces the prospect of competing with Sauti Pro League sides for the signature of Vinicius Junior.

According to Fichajes, Vinicius Junior’s future could be the big talking point ahead of 2026 as the attacker could look to leave Real Madrid. Manchester City are one of the clubs being linked with a move for the Brazilian superstar, but faces competition from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.

The story around Vinicius Junior’s future has been rumbling in the Spanish media for a few weeks now, with reports stating the player is refusing to commit to his future. Real Madrid have reportedly offered him fresh terms to extend his stay, but the Brazilian superstar continues to demand a top-level salary.

The report does start with speculation that Vinicius could leave Real Madrid on a free if he cannot accept a new deal. However, the fact that he has a contract until 2027 makes it difficult for him to leave on a Bosman deal next year, as interested parties would have to pay a top-draw fee for his signature.

Real Madrid have hopes to keep him on board, but the main issue lingers around his salary demands. Viniocius wants a salary more than the current highest paid star, Kylian Mbappe, something the club are refusing to match as they do not want to break their salary structure.

Hence, there’s a chance that the Real Madrid mainstay would refuse future offers and look to make the move elsewhere, with at least three teams in a good position to fulfill his demands. Saudi sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are in the mix, while Manchester City are considering a move.

Manchester City in the mix for Vinicius Junior

Manchester City were linked earlier in the window with reports stating Vinicius held secret talks with the Premier League giants. They certainly have the financial capabilities to match the Real Madrid’s mainstay’s salary demands and make him one of the highest-paid stars in Europe.

Real Madrid had reportedly pondered an exchange with Manchester City involving Vinicius and Erling Haaland. Should Manchester City look to make their move, they face competition from Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad as both those PIF-owned clubs are in a position to make Vinicius the highest-paid football player in the world. Hence, the decision is with the Real Madrid mainstay whether to stay in a competitive atmosphere in Europe or make the move to the Middle East.