Real Madrid News
Luis de la Fuente delays Real Madrid forward’s Spain debut after Czech Republic omission
Carlos Espi will have to wait for his senior Spain debut after Luis de la Fuente left the Real Madrid forward out of the squad for the Nations League meeting with the Czech Republic.
The 21-year-old arrived in Oviedo late last night after travelling from Ibiza, where he had been with Spain’s Under-21 team.
His promotion to the senior squad came after a record-breaking performance at youth level, but it has not immediately resulted in a first appearance.
According to AS, Espi is not among the 23 players selected for Saturday’s match, meaning his senior debut has been pushed back.
Carlos Espi earns Spain call-up after record display
The Real Madrid summer signing was brought into De la Fuente’s squad as a replacement for Ferran Torres, who suffered an ankle sprain.
The timing of the call-up was significant, as Espi has emerged as one of the early-season sensations in Spain after making an impact with Real Madrid, while his Under-21 performance further strengthened his case for promotion.
There had been hopes that his form could lead to an immediate senior debut, but De la Fuente has instead decided to wait before giving the forward his first cap.
Croatia could provide Espi’s debut opportunity
Being left out against the Czech Republic does not mean Espi has been sent back to the Under-21s.
In fact, the forward will remain with Spain for the rest of the international break, giving him another opportunity to convince De la Fuente.
Spain travel to Croatia next Tuesday, October 6, and that match could provide the next opening for the Real Madrid striker.
With another game still to come, Espi can continue training with the senior squad and prepare for what would be his first appearance at this level.
Real Madrid trio together with Spain
Espi is currently sharing the senior Spain camp with two other Real Madrid players, namely Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella.
That experience alone represents an important stage in the youngster’s rapid progression.
Just days after starring for Spain’s Under-21s, he is now training alongside established senior internationals and waiting for his opportunity.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
