Real Madrid’s turbulent end to the season has triggered strong reactions from across Spanish football, but few have been as direct as the comments from former La Liga icon Santiago Canizares.
The former Real Madrid and Valencia star has openly questioned the future of Vinicius Jr., suggesting that the club should seriously consider selling one of its biggest names as part of a wider rebuild.
Advertisement
Despite Vinicius being widely seen as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s attack in recent years, Canizares believes the Brazilian has not lived up to expectations.
Speaking on Movistar (h/t SPORT), stated,
“In my view, for the past two years, he hasn’t been delivering the performance for Real Madrid that his contract and his status as a player demand.
“Furthermore, he has been involved in many controversial situations that do not reflect well on Real Madrid’s image, but to sell a player, the money has to be there first.”
More to the story
Canizares also pointed to a tactical issue, hinting that Vinicius may not be the perfect fit alongside Kylian Mbappe.
Advertisement
While acknowledging the difficulty of moving on a player of such a profile, he stressed that the club must be realistic about the market.
Drawing comparisons with other situations, he explained,
“It’s very easy to say, ‘I’m going to sell him. I’ll sell him if someone buys him.
“Because perhaps last year Madrid valued Rodrygo at 70–80 million euros, and no one came forward offering even half that.
Canizares has urged Real Madrid to sell Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
“So at that point, it’s better to keep him and wait for the player to regain his form.”
The former goalkeeper then reinforced his position by highlighting the complexity of transfer decisions at elite clubs.
Advertisement
“It’s very easy to play at being a sporting director from the comfort of your sofa, but when you’re actually in the thick of it, you have to balance what you want for the player with what’s on the table.
“That said, I agree that he should leave. If a good offer came in, I’d sell him.”
On Arbeloa’s continuity
Canizares did not just stop at criticising players.
He also turned his attention to the managerial situation, casting serious doubt over Alvaro Arbeloa and his future on the bench.
Assessing the Spaniard’s position, he made a blunt claim, stating,
“Normally, there are two things that can lead to continuity: the contract that underpins it and the merits of a sporting career.
“Arbeloa has neither one nor the other, nor has he achieved results in the months he has been in charge of the team.
“The normal thing is that he won’t continue on the bench next season,” he concluded.
