Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target signs a new contract at Sociedad as Mourinho continues to push for a new defender
Real Madrid may have already signed three new defenders heading into the new season, one of whom even made it to the World Cup team of the tournament.
But that hasn’t stopped Jose Mourinho from entering the market yet another, with the Portuguese tactician looking to sign one more centre-back.
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for several top centre-backs across Europe, one of them being Jon Martin.
However, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Martin is now obsolete as the player has decided to stay at Real Sociedad.
Martin no longer an option
That is because Real Sociedad have confirmed Martin has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2032.
This effectively rules out any move for Martin in the near future and seals his long-term future at the club.
At just 20, the youngster has already become the leader of the Real Sociedad backline, and he made his feelings clear after putting pen to paper.
“I’m happy to be able to stay here, to be able to stay at home. In the end, it’s the club that has given me everything. I’ve been here since I was 12 years old, so I’m very happy,” Martin said.
What are Real Madrid’s alternatives?
With Martin off the table, Mourinho will have to look elsewhere, and several names remain in the frame.
Alessandro Bastoni has long been the preferred option, though his agent recently insisted the Italian is “in love with Inter” and has no intention of leaving, while Al-Hilal have also entered that race.
Elsewhere, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte have all been mentioned, alongside Benfica’s Tomas Araujo.
Any incoming deal remains dependent on outgoings. Real Madrid will not sign another centre-back until Raul Asencio departs, meaning Mourinho’s search may drag on for some time yet.
The coming weeks could be crucial as Real Madrid first look to get rid of some of the unwanted stars before pursuing new players in the market.
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.
