Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that he would understand if Vinicius Junior decided to make the move to Saudi Arabia, but he is expecting the Brazilian to remain at Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best players in world football, and he is having another strong season for Los Blancos, scoring 16 goals and registering 10 assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.
Since making the move to Bernabeu from Flamengo in July 2018, Vinicius has made 291 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 101 goals and registering 83 assists in the process.
The forward has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2027, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future, with Saudi officials believed to be determined to bring him to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are thought to lead the interest, and it has been suggested that an offer of €300m (£251m) could be submitted, with Vinicius then being offered a staggering €200m (£167.6m) a season on a five-year deal.
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Vinicius is a mega-money transfer target for Saudi Arabia
Ancelotti has insisted that he would "understand" if Vinicius decided to make the move to Saudi Arabia, but the Italian is not expecting the Brazilian to depart.
"I understand everything. In football I understand everything. I also understood that [Toni] Kroos left football... and that few did. These decisions are individual," Ancelotti told reporters during his press conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Brest.
"But I already said it: I see him happy, wanting to stay here and win titles with Real Madrid. I think he will choose glory."
Vinicius has scored seven times and registered one assist in six Champions League appearances this season, but he is suspended for Wednesday's contest with French outfit Brest.
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Ancelotti expecting "difficult" game against Brest
Ancelotti is expecting a "difficult" game against Brest, with the Ligue 1 club currently 10th in the Champions League table, while Real Madrid are 15th, with a playoff spot already being secured.
"Difficult, as always. Brest have done very well in the Champions League. They have one more point and a chance to qualify... good. There will be a lot at stake for both teams. We want to close well this group stage... which has been complicated," he told reporters.
"Brest play by squeezing the quality out of their players. They have a very tall striker with a very strong head and they look for it up top, but they also have fast wingers and can hurt you on the counter.
"It's no coincidence that they have 13 points. They have been better than many opponents and we respect them a lot."
Real Madrid have picked up 12 points from their seven matches in the league phase of the Champions League, and they will bring a four-game winning run into Wednesday's fixture.
Matt Law
