Real Madrid News
Real Madrid were willing to offer €30-40 million for Serie A winning-defender
Real Madrid’s most pressing need this summer is fortifying their defensive department.
If last season’s injury crisis and mounting casualties were not enough evidence, the departures of Nacho Fernandez and Rafa Marin certainly highlight the urgent need for defensive signings.
The Merengues were keen to acquire Leny Yoro but opted to bow out of the race after Manchester United trumped theiroffer.
Real Madrid were eyeing Italian juggernaut
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, another centre-back appeared to have caught the eye of Real Madrid: Alessandro Bastoni.
Amid their search for center-backs, Real Madrid inquired about Alessandro Bastoni after last season. Willing to offer between €30 and €40 million, Los Blancos found their bid far below Inter’s valuation, as the Italian champions refused to sell for less than €80 million.
Following a title-winning campaign with Inter, Bastoni started all of Italy’s games in the UEFA Euro 2024. Owing to his recent strides, he has garnered tremendous interest from European heavyweights.
In fact, recently, Tulio Tinti, the 25-year-old’s agent affirmed Real Madrid’s interest, claiming:
“Many clubs have asked me about him (Bastoni). Manchester City were very interested in him for years and more recently Real Madrid. But Inter want to win and will not sell their champions.”
Bastoni has a contract with the reigning Serie A champions until June 30, 2028, following his renewal last summer. As such, signing him for a low fee appears improbable at the moment.
Vallejo’s time to shine?
Despite Real Madrid’s limited options at centre-back, a new signing appears unlikely. Carlo Ancelotti recently declared that the squad is finalized for the summer.
In light of this, Jesus Vallejo’s position in the squad seems far more secure. He could operate as a fourth-choice back-up and rotate in less important games.
After returning from a loan spell at Granada, the Spaniard is expected to remain with Real Madrid rather than being loaned out again.
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.
