Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender could return to former club, talks underway – report
Alvaro Odriozola could leave Real Madrid in the coming days and secure a return to his former club Real Sociedad, reports Mikel Recalde.
The right-back came through the ranks at La Real and established himself as one of the most exciting young full-backs in La Liga before securing a transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2018.
Odriozola’s €32 million switch to the Santiago Bernabeu has not worked out according to plans as he has failed to make the desired impact. After an 18-month period filled with struggles, he joined Bayern Munich on loan in January 2020.
After returning to Madrid in the summer, he spent the 2020/21 campaign warming the benches before signing for Fiorentina on loan last summer. The 26-year-old enjoyed a decent spell in Italy but is now back in the Spanish capital where he is seen as surplus to requirements.
Indeed, Carlo Ancelotti has Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez as his preferred options at right-back, while young Vinicius Tobias is also seen above Odriozola in the pecking order. So, with no space for him in the club’s plans, Real Madrid have been working hard to secure an exit for him.
A move to Premier League club Nottingham Forest was speculated, but nothing came of it. However, now, Odriozola could finally be on his way out of the Bernabeu, with a return to his former club Real Sociedad seemingly on the cards.
As per the report, La Real’s sporting director Roberto Olabe and head of recruitment Erik Brestos flew to Madrid earlier today and conversations over re-signing Odriozola are already underway. While chances are that it could be a loan deal, a permanent transfer is not ruled out.
The 26-year-old, for his part, would be open to returning to the Basque Country outfit. With three days left before the window slams shut, it remains to be seen if the operation is completed.
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.
