Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran defender’s exit to free up €25 million in salary space
David Alaba is quietly enjoying his final weeks as a Real Madrid player.
The Austrian arrived in 2021 following Sergio Ramos’ departure to form a new defensive partnership with Eder Militao, and the impact was immediate.
During the 2021/22 campaign, Real Madrid won both La Liga and the Champions League, with both defenders performing at a very high level.
However, things went downhill for him ever since, with injuries stopping him from performing at his best.
David Alaba to leave
Now, as reported by AS, Alaba is set to bid goodbye to Real Madrid at the end of the current season when his contract expires. His exit will free up salary space worth close to €25 million.
Alaba suffered an ACL injury back in December 2023 and has never been able to return to his best since then. He played only 17 games (1407 minutes) in the 2023/24 season whereas last term he featured for only 599 minutes across 14 matches.
In the ongoing campaign, his minutes have further reduced – 415 across 14 games – and there is no indication that he will be able to add that in the final four matches.
What his departure will leave behind is significant room in the wage bill, creating space for Real Madrid to pursue a new defensive profile. Alaba arrived after Ramos left and inherited his salary, around €12 million net per season, which amounts to nearly €25 million gross.
He remains one of the highest-paid players in the squad, an expense that has not reflected his level of participation.
There have been no indications about where his next destination will be, although superagent Pini Zahavi was in Italy to talk about Alaba’s situation with Serie A clubs. It remains to be seen if he does end up there.
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.
