Real Madrid News
Real Madrid actively looking to sell out-of-favour striker and defender
Real Madrid got their important transfer business done very early this summer, securing the signings of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Since then, the focus has largely been on player exits, with Isco, Marcelo and Gareth Bale leaving as free agents while Luka Jovic, Takefusa Kubo, Victor Chust and Mario Gila have all been sold.
The most recent exit from the Spanish capital club was that of Borja Mayoral, who has re-signed for Getafe on a permanent transfer after spending the second half of the last season on loan with the Azulones.
But, Real Madrid are still looking to offload two more players before the transfer window slams shut, reports AS. The two stars in question are Alvaro Odriozola and Mariano Diaz.
Odriozola is back at the Bernabeu after spending the last season away on loan at Fiorentina. The right-back was given some opportunities to make an impression on manager Carlo Ancelotti during the pre-season tour of the USA.
However, the former Real Sociedad ace failed to make the most of his chances, with Ancelotti deciding to stick with Lucas Vazquez as Dani Carvajal’s understudy while Vinicius Tobias will be the third-choice right-back. It has left Odriozola’s future in limbo and Real Madrid are actively looking to part ways with him.
Mariano, meanwhile, has entered the final year of his contract at the club. And despite Ancelotti’s insistence that he is not part of the plans, the 29-year-old is keen on staying put and seeing out his contract as he believes he can change the manager’s mind.
Mariano was overlooked by Ancelotti during the friendly against Barcelona when Karim Benzema was unavailable. The manager opted to play Eden Hazard as a false-nine instead of calling on the Dominican striker, indicating his status within the squad.
Fenerbahce were willing to sign him up, but Mariano turned down a transfer. There is interest from clubs in La Liga and Real Madrid hope to offload him at the earliest so that they can sign a new No. 9 to provide cover for Benzema.
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.
Edward
August 5, 2022 at 9:53 am
It’s a clear picture of giving mariano out and signing a new striker to replace Benzema