Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will not pay South American prodigy’s €45 million release clause
Real Madrid’s strategy of signing young talents before they fully emerge as stars has become a notable recurring theme in their approach to squad building over the years.
However, the Merengues are mindful of their budget and are reluctant to spend excessively on certain young talents, even if they identify promising prospects.
The most recent case of Leny Yoro serves as a prime example. Despite admiring his high ceiling, Real Madrid did not see it best to overspend on an 18-year-old who was entering the final year of his contract.
Real Madrid holds off on Mastantuono’s €45 million release clause
Now, according to MARCA, River Plate are well aware that, at present, Real Madrid do not plan to activate Franco Mastantuono’s €45 million release clause.
Despite their interest in the player, Real Madrid are currently not prepared to make such a significant financial commitment.
While personal terms have been reportedly agreed, the hefty release clause amount is dissuading Los Blancos from paying the sum in full.
Real Madrid prefer to negotiate a transfer fee with River Plate, aiming to meet the release clause through a combination of fixed and variable fees, rather than paying the full amount upfront.
Given that Mastantuono has no shortage of suitors and is still young enough to continue his development at River Plate, the Argentine club are in a position of power and can afford to hold out for a more substantial offer.
Even so, the youngster’s overwhelming desire to play in the Spanish capital gives Real Madrid a massive edge over other competitors vying for his signature.
Mastantuono’s release clause, which is valued at €45 million, will increase to €50 million in the final days of the transfer window. Still, Real Madrid aim to pay a sum far below those figures.
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.
