Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back’s departure ‘in progress’, player evaluating his options
At this point in the transfer window, Real Madrid have made solid additions to their already formidable squad. They may have lost some big names in Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio, but they have fortified the future of the team by bringing in Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, among others.
The focus is now on the departures. Los Blancos have several players on their roster who barely feature under Carlo Ancelotti, whose departure will clear significant space on the wage bill. One such player is Alvaro Odriozola.
According to reports from Arancha Rodriguez (h/t RM4Arab), the Spaniard’s departure is in progress. The player is currently studying the offers he has on his table, and a decision is not far away.
The most notable name the 27-year-old is negotiating with is Real Sociedad. Odriozola is a product of La Real’s youth academy and even played for the Basque side until his €30 million move to Real Madrid.
His career at the Spanish capital has been far from the paradise he hopes for. Ancelotti clearly trusts Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez at right-back heading into the new season.
Odriozola is not even a third choice, with Nacho Fernandez often filling in when the aforementioned duo is unavailable.
Given his lack of playing time under the current manager, a move back home would appear the best way forward for him to resurrect his career.
The 27-year-old made just three appearances for Real Madrid in La Liga last season, totalling 42 minutes across all outings. In the preceding season, he was sent on loan to Fiorentina and made 25 league appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process.
As it stands, his departure from the Spanish capital only appears to be a matter of time. Real Madrid do not hope to recover a large sum from his exit and appreciate the space created on the wage bill.
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.
