Real Madrid News
Juventus make contact with out-of-favour Real Madrid defender over January move
Alvaro Odriozola finds himself in an extremely difficult position at Real Madrid. Having returned from a decent enough loan spell at Fiorentina, the Spaniard was expected to move on permanently in the summer window.
However, no move materialised and Odriozola ended up staying put at the Santiago Bernabeu, even though he has no part to play in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the season.
Indeed, Odriozola is behind Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez in the right-back slot while the likes of Nacho and Antonio Rudiger have also been used in the position at times.
The 26-year-old ace is the only Real Madrid first-team player to not have played a single minute of competitive football in the ongoing campaign.
Given his situation, an exit in the January transfer window could be on the cards and Italian giants Juventus have seemingly shown an interest.
According to journalist Santi Aouna on Foot Mercato, Juve watched Odriozola from close quarters during his loan stint at Fiorentina last season and ready to offer him an escape route in the winter.
It is further claimed that the Bianconeri have already made first contact with the Real Madrid star’s entourage. The idea would be to take the former Real Sociedad ace on a six-month loan deal until the end of the season.
Real Madrid, for their part, are unlikely to be affected by Odriozola’s departure as they can replace him with Castilla’s Vinicius Tobias.
With the 26-year-old’s contract expiring in 2024, what remains to be seen is whether the Spanish capital outfit seek a permanent departure or are prepared to send him out on loan.
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.
