Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has publicly reflected on Vinícius Júnior’s decision to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, admitting he would have pursued a transfer had he been in the Brazilian’s position. The 26-year-old, who has faced recent scrutiny regarding his performances, signed a new long-term deal in August 2026, committing his future to the Spanish side until 30 June 2032. While Arsenal had explored the possibility of signing the forward during the summer window, the player opted to remain in Madrid, a decision Mourinho highlighted when discussing the forward's current situation at the club.
Speaking during a media briefing, Mourinho offered a candid assessment of the player's choice to stay despite the external interest. "If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn't be here," Mourinho said. "I would have forced a move to a country where I'd be respected, but out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed."
The impact of domestic suspension and Diomande's emergence
Mourinho’s comments arrive at a time when the club's attacking options are undergoing internal shifts. Vinícius Júnior is currently serving a four-match domestic suspension following a red card received during a 1-0 victory against Villarreal. According to reports in AS, the disciplinary action stemmed from a hair-pulling incident involving midfielder Nathan Saliba and a subsequent reaction toward the match official. The Spanish Football Federation rejected an appeal from the club on 16 October, meaning the forward will be sidelined for domestic fixtures including the match against Sevilla and the Clásico against Barcelona.
This period of unavailability has created an immediate opportunity for Yan Diomande, the Ivorian forward acquired for a fee reported at €125 million. Diomande, who arrived from RB Leipzig during the summer window, has seen his playing time increase significantly in the absence of the Brazilian. The new signing has made a tangible contribution, with early metrics indicating he has been involved in five goals across 546 minutes of action. The pressure on the starting lineup is evident as Diomande attempts to establish himself as a permanent fixture in the manager's tactical setup.
Squad hierarchy and the concept of 'untouchable' players
When questioned on whether Vinícius Júnior retains an untouchable status within the squad given his previous standing at the club, Mourinho rejected the notion that any player is guaranteed a starting position. The manager emphasised that selection is dictated strictly by match-day performance rather than past reputation or contract status.
"The only thing untouchable is the badge," Mourinho stated. "I don't like this concept of an untouchable player. What makes a player untouchable is their performance on the field."
This stance serves as a clear directive to the squad as they navigate the remainder of the domestic calendar and European commitments. While the club maintains a high level of financial security regarding Vinícius following his 2026 contract extension, the manager’s public rhetoric suggests that performance levels will remain the sole metric for selection. Vinícius is currently expected to return to LaLiga action in November, following the upcoming international break, where he will face renewed competition to reclaim his role on the left flank.
