Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to face Barcelona competition for €50 million-rated La Liga defender – report
Real Madrid are scouring the market for a new centre-back heading into the summer transfer window.
While established names like Nico Schlotterbeck and Ibrahima Konate have been linked as the main targets, Los Blancos are also looking at young players with potential.
One such player on the Real Madrid sporting department’s radar happens to be Real Sociedad starlet Jon Martin.
Just 20 years old, the Spanish defender broke into the La Real senior setup last season and has already made 45 first-team appearances, 27 of which have come in the ongoing campaign.
Seen as a young player with great potential, Real Madrid are keen on Martin and could consider making a move for him.
Barcelona enter the fray
However, according to SPORT, Real Madrid’s arch-rivals FC Barcelona have also entered the race to sign Martin.
Indeed, the sporting director of Barcelona, Deco, held an informal meeting yesterday with Inaki Ibanez, the agent of the Real Sociedad centre-back to assess his situation, although the Catalans’ priority remains Alessandro Bastoni.
Martin is under contract at Real Sociedad until 2031 and, although he is developing rapidly and already has a market value of around €20 million, the release clause included in his latest renewal with the Basque club stands at €50 million.
Barcelona have positive reports on him and value his qualities. Although he is not left-footed, which is a profile the club is seeking to strengthen the centre of defence, he is still a player who appeals.
Sources close to the meeting indicate that it was an informal encounter, without any decisive nature, although they acknowledge that Jon Martín’s name was the main topic.
Even so, it was only an initial enquiry, as Barcelona have not communicated any concrete interest in signing the player.
While the Blaugrana continue to prioritise Bastoni, their meddling in the race for Martin could hurt Real Madrid. So, it remains to be seen how the situation develops in the coming weeks.
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.
