Much noise and little evidence. At Real Madrid, alarms have gone off with the dizzying offer from Saudi Arabia for Vinícius Júnior.
Figures close to €350 million, which would have made more than one person in the Bernabéu's executive offices tremble. But something did not add up.
The manner, the timing, and the messages. Everything seemed to come from a strategy rather than a real negotiation. That's why, from the club, a move was made.
Florentino Pérez ordered the information to be verified independently. He wanted to know if that multi-million proposal existed or not. The conclusion has been clear.
After speaking with intermediaries, contacts in Saudi Arabia, and people close to the Saudi market, the answer has been unanimous: there is no offer.
No one has considered paying that amount. No one has shown formal interest. Everything suggests it was a bluff.
Madrid asks... and no one answers
The club president has been very meticulous with the matter. The amount was so high that, if true, it deserved maximum attention.
That's why the club activated its usual channels to confirm if there were ongoing talks. Not a single indication.
No club from the Saudi Pro League has submitted a formal or informal offer. There have also been no moves from recognized agents in that market. In most of the offices consulted in Saudi Arabia, the response has been total surprise.
"There is nothing for Vinícius. It has never been considered," a director from Al Hilal, one of the country's most powerful teams, reportedly said.
At Madrid, they are now certain: it was all smoke. A maneuver from the player's camp.
Pressure to renew with better terms?
The big question now is why. Who leaked the supposed offer and for what purpose? Inside the club, they believe it was a move by Vinícius's camp to strengthen his position ahead of the contract renewal.
An attempt to tighten the rope. The Brazilian has a contract until 2027, but he is seeking improvements. More salary, more institutional prominence, and, if possible, a symbolic clause that would secure him as the main star.
All this, at a time when Mbappé is staking out his own territory within the team.
The move has not gone down well at Madrid. They believe the timing, the press, and the club's nerves have been played with. What is worse: with no real basis.
If there was an offer, no one has been able to show it. If it was just a rumor, the move has backfired.
Florentino doesn't fall for bluffs
Florentino has taken note. At the club, they no longer trust certain moves from the player's camp.
Although Vinícius is still important, the president doesn't accept pressure. If someone wants more money, they should earn it on the field.
There will be no increases out of fear of an offer that never existed.