AC Sparta Prague has officially signed Costa Rican winger Josimar Alcócer from Belgian club KVC Westerlo. According to the club’s July 4, 2026, announcement, the 21-year-old forward joins the Czech champions to bolster their attacking depth. Reported transfer fees, including bonuses, are expected to remain under four million euros, as previously noted by the outlet infotbal.cz.
Why is Sparta Prague targeting Josimar Alcócer?
Sparta Prague sporting director Tomáš Rosický stated that the club prioritized Alcócer for his specific tactical profile. Rosický described the 185-centimeter-tall winger as a player who thrives in one-on-one situations, utilizing both speed and physical strength to bypass defenders. According to Rosický, Alcócer is a “very straightforward” player who maintains a high work rate without the ball, including defensive transitions and physical duels.
Alcócer has already earned 34 caps for the Costa Rican national team, scoring seven goals. His international experience at such a young age was a key factor in his move to the Czech top flight.
How does Alcócer fit into the current squad?
The addition of Alcócer increases competition on the wings, a position where Sparta already relies on players like Lukáš Haraslín, Garanga Kuol, Joao Grimaldo, and Ebrima Singhateh. While versatile players like Michal Ševčík, Adam Karabec, and Jan Kuchta can also occupy wide roles, the club sought a specialized profile to improve their tactical flexibility. Rosický highlighted that Alcócer’s two-and-a-half-year tenure in the Belgian league helped him adapt to European football, making him effective in both set-piece attacks and rapid counter-attacks.
What is the recent transfer history for the club?
Alcócer represents the fifth summer reinforcement for Sparta Prague. The club’s recruitment strategy has focused on integrating new talent alongside established players. Recent additions include Ebrima Singhateh, goalkeeper Krisztián Hegyi, and defender Viktor Vitályos, all of whom featured in the July 2026 friendly match against Opava, which Sparta won 4:1. Additionally, midfielder Sivert Mannsverk has transitioned from a loan spell to a permanent signing.
Pro Tip: Tracking Player Development
When analyzing new signings, look for players with consistent appearances in “bridge leagues” like the Belgian Pro League. Players like Alcócer—who recorded 36 appearances in his final season at Westerlo—often show higher success rates in adapting to the physicality of the Czech First League compared to those coming directly from non-European markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did Josimar Alcócer play before Sparta Prague?
He is a product of the LD Alajuelense youth academy in Costa Rica and spent three years with KVC Westerlo in Belgium. - What is the reported cost of the transfer?
According to infotbal.cz, the transfer fee, including potential bonuses, is expected to be under four million euros. - How many goals did he score in Belgium?
During his final season with Westerlo, he recorded three goals and five assists in 36 matches.
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