Former Real Madrid defender Rafa Alkorta has discussed the club’s transfer plans and the future of Vinicius Junior, warning that the Brazilian winger’s position at the Santiago Bernabeu could become uncertain if the club completes the signing of Ousmane Diomande. Speaking as a guest on the "El Larguero" program on SER Radio, Alkorta addressed several issues surrounding Real Madrid’s transfer market strategy. He highlighted that negotiations over Vinicius’ contract renewal have yet to reach an agreement, despite the player’s current deal running until the summer of 2027, leaving the possibility of a departure this summer open. Alkorta said: "It is a complicated situation because Vinicius continues to delay, and I don’t know how long this will continue." He added: "Certainly, if Diomande arrives, there is a possibility that Vinicius could leave. What I would consider a mistake is allowing him to complete his contract and then leave for free." The former Real Madrid player explained that negotiating with a star of Vinicius’ level is always a difficult process, saying: "Real Madrid faces a problem because when you negotiate with a star like Vinicius, negotiations are difficult and take a long time. The rope could break. And if it does, it will not be a disaster, because Vinicius is a player the club recovered, and the value of its investment in him has already been secured for some time. If Diomande arrives, it will be a very strong message for him." Mbappe’s Arrival Behind Vinicius’ Situation Alkorta believes that the beginning of Vinicius’ problems came after Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid two years ago. The French forward quickly became the team’s main star and earns a significantly higher salary than the Brazilian winger. Speaking about the situation, Alkorta said: "In my time, I never knew how much my teammates earned. It did not matter to me or even make me want to ask. Today, things are completely different. There are people around players who act with excessive selfishness and do not give them the right advice. I think young players should have stronger personalities when making certain decisions." Alkorta Praises Real Madrid’s New Signings Alkorta also expressed his satisfaction with Real Madrid’s recent transfer activity, insisting that the club needed major changes after last season. He said: "For me, the signings have been successful. The team needed to be rebuilt, and there was no other option." He continued: "For me, signing Marc Cucurella is the best of all, the best among all the deals. The others include Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and possibly Yann Diomande as well." Alkorta emphasized that Real Madrid’s previous recruitment strategy was not a failure but required additional experience. He explained: "I am not saying they made mistakes last season because the players they signed were of a high level, but they realized they needed something extra, especially in terms of experience." The former defender added: "Konate has a great level, and if Diomande arrives, it would be fantastic. If Rodri arrives as well, it would be great. But the issue is that some players have to leave, and leaving Real Madrid is not easy because everyone knows it is a great club. We will see what happens, but there will be players forced to leave; they have no other option." Alkorta also praised the quality of the new arrivals, believing they can make an immediate impact compared to last season when Real Madrid relied more on young talents such as Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.
Saved articles · Articles are saved in this browser session.
Former Real Madrid defender Rafa Alkorta has discussed the club’s transfer plans and the future of Vinicius Junior, warning that the Brazilian winger’s position at the Santiago Bernabeu could become uncertain if the club completes the signing of Ousmane Diomande.
Speaking as a guest on the "El Larguero" program on SER Radio, Alkorta addressed several issues surrounding Real Madrid’s transfer market strategy. He highlighted that negotiations over Vinicius’ contract renewal have yet to reach an agreement, despite the player’s current deal running until the summer of 2027, leaving the possibility of a departure this summer open.
Alkorta said: "It is a complicated situation because Vinicius continues to delay, and I don’t know how long this will continue."
He added: "Certainly, if Diomande arrives, there is a possibility that Vinicius could leave. What I would consider a mistake is allowing him to complete his contract and then leave for free."
The former Real Madrid player explained that negotiating with a star of Vinicius’ level is always a difficult process, saying: "Real Madrid faces a problem because when you negotiate with a star like Vinicius, negotiations are difficult and take a long time. The rope could break. And if it does, it will not be a disaster, because Vinicius is a player the club recovered, and the value of its investment in him has already been secured for some time. If Diomande arrives, it will be a very strong message for him."
Mbappe’s Arrival Behind Vinicius’ Situation
Alkorta believes that the beginning of Vinicius’ problems came after Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid two years ago. The French forward quickly became the team’s main star and earns a significantly higher salary than the Brazilian winger.
Speaking about the situation, Alkorta said: "In my time, I never knew how much my teammates earned. It did not matter to me or even make me want to ask. Today, things are completely different. There are people around players who act with excessive selfishness and do not give them the right advice. I think young players should have stronger personalities when making certain decisions."
Alkorta Praises Real Madrid’s New Signings
Alkorta also expressed his satisfaction with Real Madrid’s recent transfer activity, insisting that the club needed major changes after last season.
He said: "For me, the signings have been successful. The team needed to be rebuilt, and there was no other option."
He continued: "For me, signing Marc Cucurella is the best of all, the best among all the deals. The others include Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and possibly Yann Diomande as well."
Alkorta emphasized that Real Madrid’s previous recruitment strategy was not a failure but required additional experience.
He explained: "I am not saying they made mistakes last season because the players they signed were of a high level, but they realized they needed something extra, especially in terms of experience."
The former defender added: "Konate has a great level, and if Diomande arrives, it would be fantastic. If Rodri arrives as well, it would be great. But the issue is that some players have to leave, and leaving Real Madrid is not easy because everyone knows it is a great club. We will see what happens, but there will be players forced to leave; they have no other option."
Alkorta also praised the quality of the new arrivals, believing they can make an immediate impact compared to last season when Real Madrid relied more on young talents such as Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.
