Real Madrid News
Forgotten Real Madrid star’s move to former club collapses due to financial reasons
Real Madrid may come out of the 2022 summer transfer window as a stronger and well-balanced side, but the window has not been successful on all fronts.
Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Casemiro, Luka Jovic, Isco and Borja Mayoral are few of the players Los Blancos parted ways with this summer. Yet, the fact remains that the club could not part ways with some of the deadwood in the squad.
Jesus Vallejo, Dani Ceballos and Mariano are players whose departure never seemed to be a possibility despite their minimal contribution to the team. Further, there is the case of Alvaro Odriozola who looked set to leave but is now closer to staying.
According to reports from AS, the out-of-favour right-back will not return to his former club Real Sociedad, even though talks were held between them and Real Madrid over a possible transfer.
Though the player wanted to return, the high price of the deal pushed the Basque side away from negotiations.
La Real have plenty of cash to spend after Alexander Isak’s €70 million move to the Premier League. However, there is the added aspect of Odriozola’s wages which are high for them to cover.
The player is surplus to requirement at Real Madrid, given that the club already have Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez covering the right-back position. It is understood that he will have hardly any game-time under his belt if he stays at the club.
Last season, Odriozola played for Serie A side Fiorentina on loan. In his season-long spell in Italy, he scored one goal and provided one assist. Defensively, he was sub-par and averaged just under four actions per game.
Villarreal have been linked with Odriozola in recent hours, and it remains to be seen if any deadline day drama awaits the Spanish international’s future.
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.
