Real Madrid News
Real Madrid have been trying to offload out-of-favour duo for the last four windows
With the summer transfer window only a few months away, Real Madrid are formulating their plans and strategies to improve their squad before the next season starts.
One position that has emerged as a concern for Real Madrid ahead of the summer is the centre-forward slot. Los Blancos have no natural backup for Karim Benzema in the squad currently and it has hurt them, with the Frenchman having had multiple injury problems.
The Athletic is reporting that Real Madrid will thus make a signing in the summer to reinforce the No. 9 slot and are studying various options with different profiles as possible targets.
The Merengues do have Mariano Diaz as a potential backup for Benzema on the roster, while Carlo Ancelotti has also experimented with Eden Hazard and Rodrygo Goes as options through the middle.
Among the three, however, the latter two are completely out of favour and are set to be shipped out in the summer.
Indeed, as per the report, Real Madrid have made attempts to offload Mariano and Hazard in the last four transfer windows without any success.
Mariano’s current contract with the club expires at the end of the season and the Spanish champions have no interest in renewing him, even though the striker wants to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Olympique Lyon ace has played just 45 minutes this season, indicating how Ancelotti does not see him as part of the plans.
Meanwhile, Hazard has played just in seven matches and even though his contract expires in 2024, the Belgian is receptive to an exit at the end of the season, having struggled to live up to expectations in Real Madrid.
Having tried to part ways with the out-of-favour attacking duo for the past four windows, Real Madrid might be finally successful to get rid of Mariano and Hazard in the summer.
But, at the same time, Ancelotti & co. must reinforce their options adequately in the next window.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
