Olaleye Idowu
Former Real Madrid defender, Rafael Alkorta, warned superstar forward, Vinicius Jr, to be cautious how he handles his contract talks with the club’s president, Florentino Perez.
He said if care is not taken, the Brazilian could end up like club legend Sergio Ramos, who had his contract offer pulled back in 2023 despite the name he made at Santiago Bernabeu.
Rafael also noted that Vinicius is no longer the player he used to be ever since his position was changed from left wing to central role by former manager Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to make way for Kylian Mbappe.
He said that the Brazilian international is playing a dangerous game with his contract negotiations.
He said (via Madrid Universal): “Trying to squeeze Florentino Perez can go wrong. Let’s remember what happened with Ramos.”
Alkorta added that fighting over negotiations with Perez is ‘poisonous.’
“These fights are poisonous. Florentino is affectionate, but he does not hesitate to make tough decisions.
“Since they took him off the left wing, I haven’t seen him well. Playing with Mbappe has cost him,” he said.
The Brazilian winger’s current deal expires in 2027, and there have been talks over a new deal for the last few months.
