Saudi Pro League club, Al-Ahli, has explained why their attempt to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior fell through.
Al-Ahli’s chief, Khaled Al-Issa, confirmed that the club pursued Vinicius during the summer transfer window. The club reportedly offered the 24-year-old a record-breaking deal after loaning out winger Allan Saint-Maximin to Fenerbahçe.
However, Al-Issa revealed that their focus shifted to signing a No.9 when it became clear that Saudi striker Firas Al-Buraikan was set to leave the club. As a result, Al-Ahli redirected their efforts toward Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
In the end, the club secured the signing of England international Toney just before the European transfer deadline.
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Speaking to ‘Koora Rotana’ via GOAL, Al-Issa explained, “The technical committee, including the director, decided to let Maximin go because it was easier in terms of the sale, and the deal amount could be managed by any other club.”
He added, “There was a strong desire to sign Vinicius from Real Madrid, but during negotiations, an unexpected situation arose with Saudi players leaving to go professional through the scholarship program, and with Al-Buraikan set to depart, our priority shifted to signing a striker. We entered talks with Osimhen and Toney, and ultimately, Toney joined the club.”
