Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast wanted by Athletic Club in the summer – report
Real Madrid outcast Alvaro Odriozola is on the radars of fellow La Liga club Athletic Club, according to a report from El Correo de Bilbao.
A product of the Real Sociedad youth setup, Odriozola moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 but has never been able to nail down a regular spot in the starting XI.
After a couple of seasons warming the bench, the right-back had a loan stint at Bayern Munich and Fiorentina, before returning to Real Madrid last summer.
Upon coming back, the Spaniard had the option to leave the Merengues permanently, with Athletic Club showing an interest in him back then as well. But Odriozola chose to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The full-back has played only six times across all competitions this term and looks certain to leave in the summer, with Real Madrid looking to refresh their squad by getting rid of players not in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
Odriozola is attracting interest from his former club Real Sociedad, but now their Basque rivals Athletic Club are also understood to be keen on signing the 27-year-old.
The report states that Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte is keen on signing the Real Madrid ace, after trying and failing in an attempt last year.
Odriozola’s contract expires next year and could be available for a much lesser fee than the €35 million that Los Blancos had shelled out for him. As iterated earlier though, they could face competition from Real Sociedad, who are also on the lookout for new full-backs.
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.
