Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defensive outcast on the radars of Serie A champions – report
Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Odriozola is largely expected to leave the team this summer and if a report from Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, the 27-year-old’s next destination could be the Italian Serie A.
It has been reported before that Odriozola might return to Real Sociedad, where it all started for the right-back, but as it turns out, the 27-year-old has now attracted interest beyond the Spanish shores as well.
Who in Italy are interested?
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Italian champions Napoli are looking to strengthen their defence and their search has brought them to Odriozola, an unwanted commodity at Real Madrid.
The Serie A giants are considering Odriozola’s experience of playing in Italy, having spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Fiorentina where he made27 appearances across all competitions, scoring a solitary goal.
Napoli manager Rudi Garcia is well aware of the 27-year-old’s past performances and he sees Odriozola as a decent candidate to strengthen the right-back spot.
As of now, while the interest continues to persist, they have not made the final decision yet.
Real Madrid want to sanction Odriozola’s exit
Odriozola’s current contract with Real Madrid runs until 2024 but the team from the capital city is intent on getting rid of the right-back before the new season starts.
The player, for his part, has accepted his fate and is currently evaluating all his options before making a decision.
Odriozola has not played for Real Madrid in either of their two pre-season friendly matches against AC Milan and Manchester United on their tour of the USA.
That he will be offloaded as part of Real Madrid’s transfer strategy is absolutely certain, but as of today, there are no bids, and neither an agreement is in place with any team.
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.
