Real Madrid News
La Liga club staying calm amid growing interest in defender from Real Madrid, Barcelona
The anticipated arrival of Ibrahima Konate significantly strengthens Real Madrid’s central defence ahead of next season, and the player will likely slot into the spot left by David Alaba’s departure.
Beyond that, however, there is still a real sense that Real Madrid need one more central defensive signing before the start of the 2026-27 campaign, and the club are being linked with several names.
The likes of Josko Gvardiol headline Real Madrid’s wish-list for the department, but one other strong option from La Liga who has a good chance of being the selected one is Real Sociedad’s Jon Martin.
Tranquillity in the Basque country
Real Sociedad are well aware of the widespread interest in their young defensive talent from clubs across the world including Real Madrid.
As relayed by AS, however, they are calm about his situation and trust the player to prioritise them. After all, Martin has confidently conveyed that he wishes to stay with La Real, something that is massive given the external interest in him.
His contract with the Basque side runs until the summer of 2031 and his release clause stands at €60 million.
If Real Madrid wish to sign him, they will thus need to convince the player and pay out his termination clause.
Tough competition
If the player’s staunch desire to stay at home was not a big enough hurdle, Real Madrid face direct local competition for Martin’s signing from Barcelona who are also said to rate the defender very highly.
In fact, the Catalans’ sporting director Deco has even met with the player’s representatives.
With his release clause within reach for both clubs, it will ultimately boil down to which team convinces him of the move and the project more strongly. Los Blancos, needless to say, must start now if they are to maintain any edge.
Last season, Martin established himself as a regular starter under Pellegrino Matarazzo and he played 32 official games for his side. In La Liga, he averaged over 14 defensive actions and 3.3 ball recoveries per game.
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.
