Rafael Alkorta, former Real Madrid defender, has cautioned Brazilian superstar Vinícius Júnior against applying excessive pressure in his ongoing contract negotiations with club president Florentino Pérez. The warning comes amid concern that such a stance could backfire — describing it as a “dangerous game” that risks ending similarly to the treatment of club legend Sergio Ramos.
Alkorta emphasized that confrontational negotiation tactics could be “poisonous,” referencing Ramos’s contract fallout in 2023 as a cautionary tale. He noted that Ramos — despite his extraordinary contributions to the club — saw a contract offer withdrawn amid perceived tensions with management.
Adding to the complexity, Alkorta questioned Vinícius’s recent dip in form. He attributed this decline partly to the tactical shift from his natural left-wing role to a central position — a move reportedly made to accommodate Kylian Mbappé. According to Alkorta, playing alongside Mbappé has adversely affected Vinícius’s performance.
Vinícius’s current contract runs until 2027, and although discussions about a renewal are underway, progress remains stalled. Reports indicate that the winger is seeking a salary comparable to that of Mbappé — a demand Real Madrid has been reluctant to meet.
