Real Madrid News
Real Madrid have three right-backs on their radar for the summer
Despite booking their place in the quarterfinal stage of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid are already planning ahead for the future, in what could be a busy summer ahead.
While the club’s reported pursuit of Kylian Mbappe has been well documented, it appears Los Merengues are also aiming to address other glaring issues in the team, with the right-back department emerging as a priority.
Indeed, Real Madrid are keen on adding some much-needed competition for Dani Carvajal, whose inconsistent performances have been questioned in recent weeks.
According to a recent report from Fichajes, Real Madrid have identified three potential options at right-back in an attempt to beef up the options in the wide defensive role next season.
The club’s primary target is Dodo, who is currently plying his trade at Shakhtar Donetsk. Formerly of Coritiba FC, the Brazilian is widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in Ukraine and has been effective with his ability to provide width going forward.
The 23-year-old has racked up an impressive 17 assists for Shakhtar in less than 100 competitive appearances. He is also a former Brazil youth international, potentially making him a smart long-term investment for Real Madrid.
Dodo is not the only option, however, as Perez is also keeping an eye on Alvaro Odriozola. The former Real Sociedad starlet never had the best of times at the Bernabeu or even during his loan spell at Bayern.
But the Real Madrid camp are aware of his swift revival at Fiorentina, having established himself as a first-team regular for La Viola, with a total of 22 league appearances so far.
Odrizola has racked up consistent performances in Serie A, which is welcome news for Real Madrid, who can possibly offload him for a higher value in the summer. But it appears the club’s hierarchy would ideally keep hold of his services and grant him his former role of being a competitor to Carvajal at right-back.
The final option Real Madrid are looking at is Sergio Santos. The 21-year-old is currently registered to RM Castilla and has been one of the best performers for the youth team this season.
Santos had notably made his La Liga debut earlier in the season, featuring as a late substitute in the win over RCD Mallorca. Real Madrid are hoping to grant him a promotion to the senior side next season, effectively giving him the opportunity to compete with Carvajal for a place in the first-team.
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.
