Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad wish to sign €5 million-rated Real Madrid defender for free
Real Madrid bid an array of players farewell this summer as many players were seen hitting the exit door. Another one of the club’s out-of-favour defenders is now on their way out as Real Sociedad have shown an interest in acquiring Alvaro Odriozola’s signature.
However, according to Cadena SER (h/t Madrid Xtra), Sociedad would prefer not to pay a fee for Odriozola. The Basque side hope to secure the player’s arrival on a free transfer and do not want to burden themselves financially.
With Odriozola considered an outcast at Madrid as Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti played him for just 93 minutes in the 2022/23 season, Sociedad believe he does not possess much market value and that the player’s insistence on joining his former club may help seal the move on their terms.
Given that the Spanish ace sits below players like Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, and even Nacho Fernandez in the Real Madrid hierarchy, Los Blancos have been eager to sell him, especially because his contract is set to expire in just one year.
Such desperation to get the Spaniard off the ranks is something Sociedad aim to profit off of.
In the event of a free transfer exit, a benefit for Real Madrid would be clearing Odriozola’s €7 million gross annual salary off the books, which would free up that amount of money and a roster slot for another player.
Getting rid of the player who is involved in Ancelotti’s plans and tactics makes complete sense for Real Madrid. However, the Merengues could fight to fetch something for their €5 million-rated defender, considering he still has a year left on his contract.
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.
