Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s head coach, addressed the growing rumors of a significant offer from Saudi Arabia for Vinícius Junior.  

"What I know, based on direct information from the player, is that he is very happy here and wants to make history with Real Madrid. He, like everyone working here, is on the same page. We are happy here and want to make history," Ancelotti stated during a press conference.  

The persistent rumors linking Vinícius to a move to Saudi Arabia, a country keen to elevate its football profile and which reportedly approached the player last summer, don’t seem to faze him, according to his coach. In fact, Ancelotti saw a silver lining in the player missing three games—two in LaLiga and one in the Champions League—due to suspension.  

"The player is the same as always, as we saw in his last match. In a way, this break is good for him because he has time to recover and work on training during this period when he can’t play. He’ll use it to be fresh in March and April, the crucial moments of the season," Ancelotti explained.  

Without Vinícius, Real Madrid delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, thrashing UD Las Palmas. This even sparked suggestions that the team plays better without the Brazilian. Ancelotti had a sharp reply: "I think people have forgotten that with Vinícius, we won the Champions League in Paris and in London. He is an undisputed player, without question."