A former Real Madrid player, Rafael Alkorta, has advised current Madrid forward, Vinicius Junior, to tread carefully in his ongoing contract talks with the club. Alkorta warned that if the Brazilian superstar is not cautious, he could suffer the same fate as Sergio Ramos, who left the club in 2021 after failed negotiations with Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez.
Speaking to Spanish media outlet Madrid Universal, Alkorta said that trying to “squeeze” Perez during contract discussions is risky and can easily backfire, even for the club’s top players.
“Trying to squeeze Florentino Perez can go wrong. Let’s remember what happened with Ramos,” Alkorta warned.
Alkorta, who played for Real Madrid in the 1990s and has remained close to the club’s activities, described contract disputes with Perez as “poisonous” and cautioned Vinicius against turning the situation into a battle of egos.
“These fights are poisonous. Florentino is affectionate, but he does not hesitate to make tough decisions,” he said.
Alkorta’s comments refer to the dramatic exit of Sergio Ramos, a club legend and long-time captain of Real Madrid, who left in 2021 after contract renewal talks with Perez broke down. Ramos, who spent 16 years at the Bernabéu and won multiple trophies including five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, was expecting a contract extension. But Real Madrid reportedly withdrew their offer after delays and disagreements.
Alkorta believes Vinicius could be walking the same path if he is not careful with how he handles his own contract situation.
The 24-year-old Brazilian forward is currently under contract until 2027, but negotiations for an improved deal have been ongoing for months. Reports suggest that Vinicius is pushing for better terms and clarity about his role in the team, especially following the arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappé.
Vinicius, who has been one of Real Madrid’s most exciting players in recent years, saw his position on the field change last season. Under manager Carlo Ancelotti, he was moved from his usual left-wing position to a more central role to accommodate Mbappé.
This tactical change has not worked out well for the Brazilian, according to Alkorta, who believes that Vinicius has lost his spark since leaving the left flank.
“Since they took him off the left wing, I haven’t seen him well. Playing with Mbappe has cost him,” Alkorta said.
Vinicius became a fan favourite for his speed, skill, and flair on the wing, often tormenting defenders and creating chances. But with the shift to the centre and the pressure of adjusting to a new role alongside Mbappé, his form appears to have dropped.
While Real Madrid fans are hopeful that Vinicius will extend his stay at the club, Alkorta’s comments hint at possible tension behind the scenes. His remarks suggest that the player’s camp may be pushing too hard for a better deal, something that could annoy Perez, who is known for his firm stance on player contracts.
Florentino Perez, who has served as Real Madrid president for many years, is famous for his tough business style. Though respected for building world-class teams, he has also overseen the exits of several top players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Özil, and Iker Casillas – often due to disagreements over contracts or squad roles.
According to Alkorta, once a player enters into a public or messy negotiation with Perez, it usually doesn’t end well.
Vinicius Jr is not just any player. He has grown into one of Real Madrid’s most important attacking stars and played a major role in the team’s 2022 Champions League triumph, where he scored the winning goal in the final against Liverpool. He has also become one of the faces of La Liga globally.
His market value and popularity make him one of the most valuable players in world football, and any friction between him and the club could lead to bigger issues. Fans will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
For now, there is no official sign of a fallout, but Alkorta’s warning seems to be a reminder that at Real Madrid, no one is bigger than the club, and Perez has a track record of letting even the biggest names walk away when negotiations turn sour.
Vinicius Jr remains a key part of Real Madrid’s future, but according to Alkorta, he must remember that respect and caution are necessary in dealing with a powerful figure like Florentino Perez. With Mbappé now sharing the spotlight and a contract ticking down, the young Brazilian has big decisions ahead of him and how he handles them could shape the next chapter of his career.
