Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso wants Real Madrid midfielder if Enzo Fernandez secures Bernabeu move – report
According to journalist Miguel Serrano (h/t Defensa Central), Xabi Alonso is determined to keep Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea amid continued speculation linking the Argentine midfielder with a move to Real Madrid.
Alonso would actively oppose Enzo’s departure, but if Chelsea were ultimately forced to sell him, he would ask the club’s hierarchy to pursue Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as his replacement.
Alonso sees Tchouameni as the ideal replacement
As per the report, Alonso views Tchouameni as the ideal player to fill the void that Enzo Fernandez would leave should he leave for the Santiago Bernabeu.
The French international is someone Alonso already knows well from his brief spell at Real Madrid, where he was impressed by the midfielder’s performances and believes he has the qualities required to strengthen Chelsea’s midfield.
Therefore, if Enzo were to leave Stamford Bridge, Tchouameni would become Alonso’s preferred target.
Tchouameni’s future remains uncertain
Tchouameni’s situation at Real Madrid has increasingly become a topic of debate.
The French midfielder remains under contract until 2028, but that timeline is beginning to draw attention.
If no contract extension is agreed and he enters the summer of 2027 with just one year remaining on his deal, Real Madrid’s negotiating position would weaken significantly.
For that reason, discussions surrounding his long-term future are expected to become more prominent over the coming months – even more so with Real Madrid needing a big sale to sign a new midfielder.
A potential €80 million sale?
According to the report, some figures within the football world believe Tchouameni may already have reached his ceiling as a player.
Because of that, they would not necessarily oppose a sale if an offer in the region of €80 million arrived.
However, any decision regarding the midfielder’s future is expected to involve new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, whose opinion could prove decisive before the club makes any move.
Chelsea would not be alone in pursuing the French international. Tchouameni has several admirers in the Premier League, with Manchester United also monitoring his situation as they search for a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
As a result, speculation surrounding Tchouameni is expected to continue throughout the transfer window, particularly if Real Madrid receive significant offers and uncertainty remains over his contract situation.
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.
