Alkorta says Real Madrid must make room for Diomande and possible Rodri deal

Real Madrid will have to part company with some members of their squad if they complete further signings, according to former defender Rafa Alkorta, who believes the potential arrival of Yan Diomande and Rodri would strengthen the club’s rebuild.

Alkorta was speaking on the Spanish radio programme El Larguero, broadcast by SER, where he discussed Real Madrid’s transfer activity. His comments were reported by Mundo Deportivo.

The former Real Madrid player said he was fully satisfied with the club’s recruitment and felt a major change had been necessary after last season.

“For me, the signings have been successful. The team had to be rebuilt, and there was no other option,” said Alkorta.

He identified Marc Cucurella as the standout addition, placing the defender ahead of the other players mentioned in connection with the club.

“For me, signing Marc Cucurella is the best of all, the best of all the deals. Then there are the others, such as Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and perhaps Yan Diomande as well,” he added.

Alkorta said the decisions made by Real Madrid did not necessarily mean the club’s previous recruitment strategy had been wrong. Instead, he suggested the club had recognised that the squad needed qualities it had lacked, particularly experience.

“I am not saying they made mistakes 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 said.

The former defender also welcomed the possibility of further arrivals, although he warned that Real Madrid’s squad could not continue to grow without departures.

“Konate has a very high level, and if Diomande arrives, it would be a great thing. If Rodri arrives as well, it would also be great,” said Alkorta.

“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 who are forced to leave; they have no choice.”

Alkorta’s comments underline the selection and squad-management challenge facing Real Madrid as they reshape the team. While he praised the quality of the proposed additions, he also made clear that the club will need to create space for them.

He contrasted the impact expected from the latest targets with last season’s recruitment, when Real Madrid brought in younger players including Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras. In Alkorta’s view, the current signings would provide an immediate contribution, rather than requiring the same period of development.

The former Real Madrid star did not specify which players could be required to depart, but said exits would be unavoidable if the club completes more of its planned business.