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Saudi Pro League 'target SECOND Real Madrid player' after Vinicius Jnr

Saudi Arabia have reportedly targeted a move for a second Real Madrid star, after previous interest in signing Vinicius Jnr. 

Vinicius reportedlyturned down the chance to make a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, after his representatives were contacted by the Public Investment Fund delegation - working on behalf of the country's Ministry for Sport. 

The PIF were said to be looking to persuade the 24-year-old to become the face of the league ahead of the 2034 World Cup in the country, while other reports suggested his pay packet would be worth 13 times more than his Real Madrid salary. 

It has now been reported that a club and country team-mate of Vinicius has been approached by Saudi Arabia.  

Ge.Globo have reported that the PIF contacted the agents of Eder Militao earlier this week, to see if there was any interest in a move to Saudi Arabia. 

Eder Militao is the latest player who has been subject to links to the Saudi Pro League

Militao (second left) played the full duration of Real Madrid's UEFA Super Cup win this week

Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jnr reportedly turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League 

It's said that discussions are still at an early stage though a deal is 'far from simple'. 

Militao is said to be emotionally attached to Real Madrid, which would make it difficult to persuade the 26-year-old to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Despite their success in LaLiga and Champions League last season, Militao endured a frustrating 2023-24 campaign.

He suffered a cruciate ligament tear in their first league game of the season against Athletic Bilbao, and didn't make his return until the return game against the same opposition on March 31. 

Militao hopes to be more heavily involved this season, and he played the full duration of their 2-0 UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta on Wednesday. 

Saudi Arabia's potential pursuit for Militao is made difficult by Real Madrid's lack of defensive options, and given that the defender has a £427m release clause. 

That release clause is still nothing in comparison to Vinicius, who has a £1bn release clause. 

It has been a relatively quiet summer for the Saudi Pro League so far, with their biggest signing being the £50m move which saw Moussa Diaby switch Aston Villa for Al Ittihad.

Real Madrid legends Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the big names to make the move to Saudi Arabia in recent years 

There have been other big names linked with moves, including Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson.

Militao joined Real Madrid from Porto in June 2019 and has gone on to make 156 appearances for Los Blancos.

He extended his contract with Real Madrid until June 2028, in a deal announced back in January.  

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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