Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back on Athletic Club radar for the summer
Alvaro Odriozola has had a topsy-turvy career since joining Real Madrid from Real Sociedad back in 2018. The Spaniard was brought in as an understudy and a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal but never really got going at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The right-back had a loan stint at Bayern Munich during the second half of the 2019/20 season, where he failed to make an impact. Back at Real Madrid last season, he was hardly utilised by Zinedine Zidane.
Carlo Ancelotti deemed him surplus to requirements too, banking on Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez as his options, allowing Odriozola to leave for Fiorentina on loan. The 26-year-old has impressed heavily in Italy, though, staking a claim for a chance back at Madrid next season.
While Fiorentina wish to sign him permanently at the end of the season, a return to Spain looks a more likely prospect at the end of the season for Odriozola, with Defensa Central reporting that Athletic Club are keen on signing him in the summer.
The Basque outfit are set for their presidential elections imminently and the candidates in the running have identified Odriozola as a potential transfer target for the upcoming transfer window, despite his past association with local rivals Real Sociedad.
The 26-year-old could find a place at Real Madrid next term given how inconsistent Carvajal and Vazquez have been over the course of the season. At the same time, though, Los Blancos would not be averse to cashing in on him, should a reasonable offer come along.
As per the report, the current La Liga leaders would look for a figure of around €20-25 million for the right-back from prospective suitors.
Whether Athletic Club are willing to shell out that money for Odriozola would likely depend on how their elections go and the preferences of the next-elected club president.
Odriozola has played 22 times in Serie A for Fiorentina this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. His contract with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2024. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Spaniard once he returns from his loan stint.
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.
