Real Madrid star Eder Militao emerges as the latest Saudi Pro League target
Real Madrid star Eder Militao is reportedly on the radar of the Saudi Pro League and has become the latest Brazilian to be linked with a move to the Middle East after Vinicius Junior.
Brazilian outlet Globo reports that the Saudi Public Investment Fund has begun talks over signing Militao, who only signed a new contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu in January. The club in question of which he would join if a deal were agreed is yet to be disclosed, but the PIF owns Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli.
Militao’s agent, Ulisses Jorge, has communicated to Real Madrid the interest received from Saudi Arabia with his client, an important player at the Bernabeu. The new deal he signed earlier this year expires in 2028 and has a release clause of €500 million. He spent most of last season sidelined with an ACL injury but has been an ever-present for Los Blancos for several years.
The 26-year-old joined Madrid from FC Porto in July 2019 for €50 million, and he’s gone on to make 156 appearances and won 12 major trophies with Los Merengues. He started in Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s star-studded XI that won the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday (August 14) with a 2-0 win against Atalanta.
Eder Militao’s Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior is also wanted in the Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League continues to target high-profile European names and is also prepared to spend staggering amounts to secure top talent. Vinicius is on the PIF’s wishlist, and they want the Selecao superstar to join Al-Ahli, proposing a salary 13 times higher than his current one at Real Madrid. He has been a revelation at the Bernabeu but may find it hard to reject a lucrative offer.
Vinicius, 24, isn’t in a rush to decide as he and his entourage deliberate over a potential transfer before the Saudis make their verbal offer official, per the source above. Madrid’s stance is that they are only prepared to part ways with the Ballon d’Or favorite if his €1 billion release clause is paid. He was arguably the best performer in European football last season, registering 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.
The contract offer to Vinicius would be history-making. It would make him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, placing him at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns €200 million per year at Al-Nassr. The proposal also allows him to decide on a departure in 2029, become an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup and Saudi Pro League, and potentially hold a local position once he retires.
