Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images

Will Vinicius Jr. Reunite with Karim Benzema? Al Ittihad Director Sparks Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 11:30 AM ET

Since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, rumors about a possible exit of Vinicius Junior from the Spanish capital have intensified, now being linked with a reunion with Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia.

In a recent interview with OndaCero (h/t WorldSoccerTalk), Al Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes responded directly to the possibility of seeing the Brazilian winger in the Saudi Pro League.

"Yes, I see it as a possibility that players like Vinicius could be here in Saudi Arabia," Ramon Planes said. "I see an evolution in the league, and it is feasible to have top-level players in their prime here."

"The trend is now to bring in players at a very good stage of their footballing careers. It’s no longer only players in the final phase of their careers," he added.

Moussa Diaby, Karim Benzema, and Houssem Aouar of Al-Ittihad celebrate at full-time following the team's victory in the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park on May 07, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 07: (L-R) Moussa Diaby, Karim Benzema and Houssem Aouar of Al-Ittihad celebrate at full-time following the team's victory in the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park on May 07, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Al Ittihad Could Open a Spot to Bring Vinicius Jr. Out of Real Madrid

As if that weren't enough, on Friday, Jan. 2, Fabrizio Romano released an update that could represent an opportunity for the Saudi club to try to sign Vinicius Jr.

According to the cited journalist, left-winger Steven Bergwijn could leave Al Ittihad during the January transfer window. The Dutchman plays in the same position as the Brazilian, so it would be normal for Benzema's club to seek a guaranteed replacement.

Steven Bergwijn could leave Al Ittihad in the January transfer window with several clubs keen.

European and Middle East clubs are now showing genuine interest. pic.twitter.com/JP6d0iHJQ4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2026

"Steven Bergwijn could leave Al Ittihad in the January transfer window with several clubs keen," Romano wrote. "European and Middle East clubs are now showing genuine interest."

Vinicius Jr. has a current contract with Real Madrid until June 30, 2027, with a release clause set at €1 billion (approximately $1.17 billion).

Clearly, no club in the world will pay that figure, but we cannot rule out negotiations opening to reach a figure that works for all parties.

According to Transfermarkt, Vinicius Jr. has a market value of €150 million.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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