Vinicius’ poor start to the season has intensified debate over Real Madrid’s options on the left wing, with the Brazilian managing one goal and three assists in 10 matches in all competitions.
His difficult run was compounded by a four-match suspension after he was sent off in the home game against Villarreal. Before that match, Jose Mourinho acknowledged that Vinicius was well below his best, and the Brazil international started the season’s first game from the bench.
While Vinicius serves his ban in the league, competition is growing from Yan Diomande. The Ivorian has scored twice and provided two assists in three matches since October’s international break.
Although Vinicius extended his contract until 2032 last summer, a continuation of his current form could eventually lead to Real Madrid putting him on the transfer list. Here are 10 potential alternatives, including one already at the club.
10. Malick Fofana – Sunderland
The Belgian, who changed clubs last summer, primarily operates on the left. At Lyon, he stood out for his pace, dribbling and ability to threaten defenders one-on-one.
Fofana could maintain width and create openings for Kylian Mbappe without demanding leading-man status. He represents a developmental option for the future, rather than an immediate answer to Real Madrid’s problem.
9. Cody Gakpo – Liverpool
Gakpo would not be a direct replacement for Vinicius, but could allow Real Madrid to change their attacking structure. The Netherlands international can play on the left or through the middle, moving into the box while Mbappe occupies the left side.
That flexibility would allow players to exchange positions without requiring substitutions, although Real Madrid could lose some of their threat in wide areas. Gakpo is better suited to a fluid, combination-based attack than to simply supplying chances for Mbappe.
8. Nico Williams – Athletic
Nico is among the wingers whose style most closely resembles Vinicius’, and he also has extensive La Liga experience. However, signing him would be difficult.
In summer 2025, he rejected a move to Barcelona and instead extended his contract with Athletic, his boyhood club, until 2035. He also became the highest-paid player in the squad. Regular injuries have affected his form, preventing him from reproducing the level he showed at Euro 2024.
7. Bradley Barcola – Liverpool
Barcola moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool for 125m euros at the end of August, making a switch to Real Madrid a purely theoretical possibility.
He can beat defenders, attack space behind the back line and stretch opposing defences with his runs, creating room for Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. However, there is little to suggest Liverpool would readily sell such an expensive signing.
6. Antonio Nusa – Leipzig
Nusa is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising wingers. He has scored four goals and registered three assists in nine appearances this season, while his contract runs until 2029.
The Norway international would be another player signed with future development in mind. He appears to have a greater chance of reaching the highest level than Fofana.
5. Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich
Diaz would offer an established solution rather than a long-term investment. The Colombia international combines pace, dribbling, stamina, pressing ability and a powerful shot.
But Real Madrid would have to persuade one of their rivals for the Champions League to sell a key player. Diaz turns 30 on 13 January, and his speed may begin to decline soon.
4. Kenan Yildiz – Juventus
Yildiz is the standout player in a Juventus side experiencing a crisis, and has arguably outgrown the Italian club. He is not a direct copy of Vinicius, instead offering a playmaker’s qualities from the wing.
His ability could give Real Madrid more solutions against teams defending deep, an area in which the Spanish side have often struggled when facing low blocks.
3. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain
Doue is a regular in Luis Enrique’s side. Despite his young age, he has already won the Champions League twice and played an important role in both triumphs.
The 21-year-old Frenchman is more versatile than Vinicius, able to play on either flank or move into central areas. Mbappe recently said in one of several interviews that Doue has a great career ahead of him, and would presumably welcome the chance to play alongside his fellow France international at Real Madrid.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain
Kvaratskhelia, another Paris Saint-Germain winger, was named the Champions League’s best player last season.
He would be the ideal external replacement for Vinicius, possessing dribbling, pace, finishing, creativity and the physical strength to rank among Europe’s best attacking pressers. The difficulty would be predicting the fee Paris Saint-Germain would demand for one of their leading players.
1. Yan Diomande – Real Madrid
The most practical solution is already in Madrid. Diomande joined Real Madrid from Leipzig this summer for a club-record 140m euros including bonuses.
Vinicius’ absence has given him an opportunity on the left, where he has looked much more assured than on the right. Against Sevilla, he scored and assisted Arda Guler, becoming the youngest Real Madrid player to score and assist in the same La Liga match in the 21st century.
Before spending heavily on a replacement, Real Madrid should give the 19-year-old a sustained opportunity.
Vinicius’ poor start does not erase his achievements or ability, but reputation cannot guarantee a place in the starting XI when a rival is taking his chance. Diomande must prove his level in the coming matches, while Vinicius has to show that this is a temporary dip rather than a new standard.
If neither player can establish the required level, Florentino Perez will have to address the issue next summer.