Real Madrid are reportedly incredibly worried about Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior – here is why.
It has been a rocky start to the 2024/25 season for the 24-year-old Brazil international, whose form for club and country in recent months has been cause for concern.
Vinicius, among the top contenders for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, has found the net only once in his opening five matches of the campaign, and has been subjected to criticism on the international stage too.
According to AS, the winger completed just 35 passes in 180 minutes of football for Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers during the latest international break, with Real said to be seriously concerned.
His only goal this term came from a converted penalty-kick in a league game against Las Palmas, while his on-field relationship with Kylian Mbappe in Real's new-look front three is yet to flourish.
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There is believed to be a worry that the mammoth offer he received from Saudi Arabia has distracted him, thus leading to his poor form and apparent "lack of focus".
Last month, reports suggested that Al Ahli were willing to make him the sport's highest-paid player ever.
The 15-time UEFA Champions League winners have reportedly made it their priority to help Vinicius get back to his best as soon as possible.
Vinicius, as the Ballon d'Or candidates list demonstrates, is considered among the best players in world football and is likely to be aware that he needs to step it up.
The Brazilian last found the back of the net for the Selecao at the 2024 Copa America in June, with those being his only two goals for Brazil in his past 13 internationals.