Rafa Alkorta says Real Madrid’s latest recruitment drive could force some members of the squad to leave the club, with the former defender insisting there is “no choice” for certain players if the rebuild goes ahead.
Alkorta was speaking on SER radio’s El Larguero programme about Real Madrid’s transfer activity. His comments were published by Mundo Deportivo.
The former Real Madrid player gave his full backing to the club’s business and argued that a significant change was essential after last season.
“For me, the signings were successful. The team had to be rebuilt, and there was no other option,” said Alkorta.
He selected Marc Cucurella as the best of the club’s deals, before also praising the potential additions of Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Yan Diomande.
“For me, signing Marc Cucurella is the best of all, the best of the entire group of transfers. Then there are the others, such as Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, and perhaps Yan Diomande as well,” Alkorta said.
Alkorta stressed that his assessment was not intended as criticism of Real Madrid’s recruitment from the previous season. Instead, he said the club had recognised a need for greater experience and an additional level of quality.
“I am not saying they made a mistake last season, because the players they signed were of a high level, but they realised they needed something more, especially in terms of experience,” he added.
The former Real Madrid star said Konate would bring considerable quality and that Diomande’s arrival would be a positive development. He also welcomed the prospect of Rodri joining the club.
“Konate has a great level, and if Diomande arrives it would be fantastic. If Rodri arrives as well, that would also be fantastic,” said Alkorta.
However, he warned that adding more players would create pressure for existing members of the squad to move on. Alkorta acknowledged that leaving Real Madrid is not straightforward because of the club’s stature, but predicted that departures would nevertheless be unavoidable.
“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 who are forced to leave. They have no choice,” he said.
Alkorta also highlighted what he believes is the immediate impact the proposed new signings could make. In his view, they would offer Real Madrid an instant improvement, unlike last season’s recruitment, when the club brought in younger players including Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.
His comments come as Real Madrid consider further changes to a squad he believes required rebuilding following the previous campaign. For Alkorta, the priority has been to combine quality with experience, even if that process means some current players eventually have to depart.
