Real Madrid News
Real Madrid decide against move for ex-Man City ace due to financial complexities
Real Madrid faced a significant setback in their efforts to strengthen their defensive line, as their top target, Leny Yoro ended up taking his talents to Manchester United.
Since then, incessant speculation has surrounded several centre-backs, given that the Merengues have lost Nacho Fernandez and Rafa Marin, with David Alaba expected to return later this year.
Reports tying Real Madrid to Laporte began to do the rounds lately, with the Al Nassr centre-back eager to make the leap to the Spanish capital and even willing to take a pay cut.
Laporte proved his high level in the UEFA Euro 2024 by featuring for Spain, and seems unhappy in the Middle East, urging him to join Los Blancos.
Aymeric Laporte ruled out
However, according to The Athletic (h/t Madrid Xtra) Carlo Ancelotti’s staff liked signing Aymeric Laporte, but the deal was deemed highly complex due to financial constraints, making it an impractical option.
Ancelotti understands the club’s financial position and is prepared to maximize the potential of the current squad.
Demonstrating his adaptability, as was especially observed last season, he remains committed to availing of current resources despite the limitations.
Recently Carlo Ancelotti publicly announced that no further reinforcements would arrive, as the squad was now complete.
“The squad is closed. Vallejo is back, Alaba is recovering. We have the youngsters: Joan [Martinez], Jacobo [Ramon] and Raúl [Asencio],” he professed.
As such, the Italian manager has come to terms with the unlikelihood of additional signings and accepts that he must work with the players currently at his disposal, despite the defence appearing notably thin.
While signing Laporte would have been a great boost, given his exceptional time at Manchester City, Real Madrid are unwilling to compromise their finances at this point in time and value the club’s long-term vision.
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.
