Real Madrid News
Former manager looking to poach Premier League players in the summer
While Real Madrid look for a new manager and close in on Jose Mourinho, former manager Xabi Alonso has closed in on a move to Chelsea.
Just over six months after being sacked from his position at Real Madrid, the Spanish tactician has found a new job and is set to take over for the London-based side.
He is, however, looking to make reinforcements in the summer for his new club and has several Real Madrid players on his radar.
Names on Alonso’s radar
As revealed by El Debate, Xabi Alonso has indeed signed a four-year deal with Chelsea and was disappointed to learn that he will not be competing in Europe next season. His mission, however, is to bring Chelsea back to its former glory.
His plan, however, is to poach players from Real Madrid’s squad who he sees as possessing the right profile for his plans.
Brahim Diaz, Fran Garcia and Eduardo Camavinga are all on his radar, and it is clear that the manager is targeting fringe players who he knows will be available easily in the summer.
Eyes on Mourinho
As it stands, Diaz, Garcia and Camavinga all appear transferable given their lack of prominence last season. With the manager changing, however, matters may change as well next season.
Jose Mourinho appears to be the best-placed candidate to take over in June, and a lot will thus boil down to how much the new manager has the players in his plans.
Given Mourinho’s style, many of the players who did not enjoy prominence last season may well see their stocks skyrocket. Alonso’s plan to poach Real Madrid stars, thus, will boil down to Mourinho’s preferences.
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.
