Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to save around €7 million with forward’s departure – Romano
Real Madrid made the bold decision to terminate the contract of Eden Hazard yesterday. The decision came on the back of a frustrating spell at the Bernabeu for the Belgian winger, who struggled to make an impact since joining from Chelsea in 2019.
Hazard’s spell at the club has been marred by injuries while the player has also struggled to impress when given the opportunity. As a result, he has fallen behind the likes of Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio in the pecking order.
But as the highest-paid player in the squad, Hazard was of no use to Real Madrid, who promptly decided to terminate his contract rather than retain him as part of the squad until the end of his contract in 2024.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have saved a figure of around €7 million by terminating the contract of Hazard. This may as a surprise to many, as it was common knowledge that Los Blancos would have had to spend a fortune to do so.
But as per Romano, it appears Hazard has given up a part of his salary that was due, which allowed Real Madrid to make some savings from the contract termination.
With Hazard out, the Spanish giants can now have some leeway in their salary mass to incorporate newer players in the upcoming summer transfer window. This could particularly help the club’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham.
Not to mention, Real Madrid are on the lookout for a new attacker, as Karim Benzema considers an exit from the Bernabeu this season. The Frenchman has received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, though Real Madrid are not willing to give up on him just yet.
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.
