Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast wanted by Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma in January
The FIFA World Cup 2022 has stolen the limelight in the football world and it goes without saying that eyes across the globe are fixated on the event in Qatar. Yet, there is no break for Real Madrid’s offices as they continue to work hard through the lean period to simplify the state of affairs at the club.
The winter transfer window is scheduled to begin in just over a month. While Los Blancos are unlikely to sign any new players in January, one would expect some departures from the bench.
One of the players with the highest chances to leave is Alvaro Odriozola, given that he has not made a single appearance for the club this term.
And, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma have entered the race for the right-back and wish to incorporate him into their roster in the coming window.
The 26-year-old is no stranger to the Serie A, having played at Fiorentina on loan last season before he returned to Madrid hoping to win the manager’s trust.
Four months into the new season, it is clear that Ancelotti does not rate him highly, with the right-back being the only player in the senior squad yet to play a single minute of football this season.
And an exit would be in Odriozola’s best interest too. Roma will have to battle it out with their domestic rivals Juventus for his signing, with the Bianconeri said to be keen on the former Real Sociedad defender as well.
Odriozola’s contract with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2024. With just a year and a half left on his deal, Florentino Perez will look to speed up the negotiations and offload the player, who does not seem to be a part of Ancelotti’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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.
