Sparta Prague splashes €3.5m on Costa Rican winger Josimar Alcocer

Sparta Prague have secured the services of 21‑year‑old Costa Rican winger Josimar Alcocer for a reported €3.5 million, signing him on a four‑year deal after three seasons at Belgian side Westerlo. The transfer marks a significant step for the 21‑year‑old, who amassed over 30 caps for Costa Rica and became a regular in the Belgian top flight.

Westerlo originally signed Alcocer three years ago from Alajuelense in Costa Rica for just over €1 million. He suffered a knee injury in one of his early matches against Anderlecht, which delayed his adaptation to Belgian football.

Under coach Issame Charaï, Alcocer grew in confidence and became a regular starter this season. His creativity and dribbling on the left flank helped Westerlo become an attractive and relatively unpredictable side.

Sparta Prague secured Alcocer on a four‑year contract, paying a transfer fee that neared €3.5 million. The Czech club, which finished second in the recent Czech championship, sees the signing as a boost for its ambitions.

"Although Josimar is still young, he has adapted perfectly to European football. He has already two and a half years of experience in the very competitive Belgian league, was an undisputed starter, and earned more than 30 international caps," explained Tomáš Rosický, sporting director of Sparta Prague, in the official press release.

Rosický highlighted Alcocer’s ability to play on both flanks, describing him as fast, powerful and dynamic, dangerous in build‑up and quick transitions against an open defence. He added that Sparta’s playing style will help the winger continue his development and take a significant new step.

Sparta Prague, runners‑up in the Czech league and participants in the Conference League round of 16, aims to compete on all fronts this season. Alcocer’s arrival adds depth as the club seeks to maintain its European campaign.

Westerlo’s initial €1 million investment has now yielded a €3.5 million profit, illustrating how Belgian clubs can serve as springboards for South American talent into larger European markets.