Contrary to previous claims, fresh reports suggest that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr was not merely a target for the Saudi Pro League, but actually made the first move.
The Brazilian winger has been a key figure for Los Blancos, but doubts over his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabau continue to grow.
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Speculation linking the Brazilian to a blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia has intensified in recent weeks, with clubs in the Gulf state reportedly eager to secure his services.
However, according to a new report from MARCA, per Madrid Universal, the interest was not one-sided.
The report suggests that it was actually Vinicius who initiated contact regarding a potential switch to the Middle East, with his representatives, Fred Pena and Thiago Freitas, persistently reaching out throughout 2023.
Their efforts are believed to have eventually led to a meeting with Saad Al Lazeez, who was the head of the Saudi Pro League at the time.
It had previously been thought that the gulf country were the ones relentlessly pursuing the Brazil international's services, but the time Vini's camp are understood to have made the approach aligns with the league's "PACE initiative".
This move was essentially the league providing major backing to top-flight clubs, enabling them to go out and secure big-name signings.
What followed was the arrival of colossal stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar (who has returned to Brazil), and other high-profile footballers.
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With Neymar recently leaving Al Hilal, it is believed that the demand for another marquee signing has only grown, and Vinicius has found himself at the centre of Saudi Arabia's latest transfer drive.