Manchester United face Atletico Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm on Saturday afternoon in their third pre-season fixture of the summer.
Michael Carrick has resisted the temptation to rotate heavily between friendlies, preferring to give first-team players sustained minutes as the new season approaches. Saturday's match against Atletico represents by far the sternest test of United's preparations and an important benchmark for where the squad stands heading into August.
A long list of World Cup participants remain unavailable. Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha, Noussair Mazraoui and Marcus Rashford are all on extended post-tournament breaks and have not yet returned to Carrington.
Youri Tielemans completed his first training session at the club this week after arriving from Aston Villa in a £35m deal — but has been left out of the travelling squad for Stockholm. His debut will come in the coming days. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens is also not in the squad.
Benjamin Sesko is a major doubt with a shin injury that the club are carefully monitoring. Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt are both sidelined with their own injury concerns and unavailable for selection. Amad Diallo has returned from his World Cup commitments with Ivory Coast and could feature in the squad.

#atletico #World #returned #injury

Former Real Madrid academy midfielder Borja Valero has shared his thoughts on several of Real Madrid's biggest storylines in an interview with AS, discussing José Mourinho's return to the club, the pursuit of Rodri, the arrival of Yan Diomande, and what he expects from Los Blancos' upcoming preseason friendly against Fiorentina.
Valero admitted that Mourinho's return surprised him, but believes the Portuguese manager is the right choice to restore Real Madrid to competing for every major trophy.
"Obviously, Mourinho's return caught my attention, as I think it did for almost everyone. But the president has seen him as the key to getting back on the winning track. Real Madrid is the most demanding club in the world and isn't satisfied with just winning a Cup or Super Cup… you have to be at your best every year. Even if you've won the Champions League, it's quickly forgotten, because within months you already want to win it again. Now, Mourinho has been identified as the manager who can make the team compete for everything again. And after a difficult year, with different coaches… I hope Mou can be the key to fighting again. As a Real Madrid fan, I hope to be able to travel to a Champions League final, like I did last time."
He also praised Mourinho's ability to manage elite dressing rooms, suggesting that his leadership off the pitch is one of his greatest strengths.
"Off the field, there are certainly few who handle situations like Mourinho. What you see on the field is quite subjective. But it's true that outside, in the locker room, he's someone who can absolutely control a locker room like Real Madrid's. And that's probably why people say he's the right person for this moment."

#madrid #return #like #league

The Brooklyn Nets have developed their teams through a number of strategies over the decades, and their front office has put together considerable success through the NBA draft. Many of the franchise's best players have joined the Nets either by being selected directly in the annual draft or through trades made on that day.
Moreover, it is not only the star players who have been acquired by the Nets through the draft. Several prominent alumni have been selected by the team each offseason during this annual event, with certain colleges being more prominently represented than others. An **** ysis of the players from different schools reveals that both prestigious programs and smaller institutions have contributed top talent to the Nets' roster over the years.
So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Nets out of Real Madrid.
Draft year and position: 2nd round (14th pick, 38th overall), 1985 NBA Draft
Seasons at Real Madrid: 5

#Nets #real #selected #moreover

By Lefteris Papadimas, Yves Herman and Emma Pinedo
ATHENS/MADRID, July 31 (Reuters) - Greece battled wildfires on Friday on multiple fronts, from the outskirts of Athens to the central part of the country and on the island of Crete, while France and Spain won some respite after bringing major blazes under control.
Europe has been ravaged by wildfires ‌this summer after successive record-breaking heatwaves, leaving vast stretches of drought-parched vegetation primed to burn, and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.
Residents of two communities ‌west of Athens were advised to evacuate as a precaution as smoke billowed from densely wooded hills surrounding the Greek capital, with authorities scrambling a formation of water-bombing aircraft to extinguish the blaze.
In Boeotia, north-west of Athens, hundreds of residents and visitors were evacuated from a small coastal community aboard coast guard boats and fishing vessels as thick orange smoke blanketed the area.

#residents

Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms in principle with Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior as they look to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta's side want the Brazilian and his agency – Roc Nation – will enter into talks with Madrid with a 'monstrous offer' from the Gunners. It appears Vinicius wants to join ****** nal, and a move to North London could be on the cards. The Gunners target has just a year left on his contract with Madrid, and they could look to sign him this summer if an extension is not on the cards.
Signing such a player will be huge for ****** nal given Vinicius' quality and experience. He will improve Arteta's attack significantly, and bringing him to Emirates will also be hugely financially beneficial to the North Londoners.
They will make plenty of money from the sales of his jerseys, and more fans will be eager to pay just to watch him play for the team home and away.
He could be signed on time and join ****** nal on tour, and the team will fancy their chances of hitting the ground running next season with such a player in their ranks.

#arsenal #emirates #north

Brazilian international Casemiro has become the latest in a rapidly growing list of high-profile names to have called Inter Miami home. The 34-year-old signed a deal with the Herons after the FIFA World Cup, joining through the 2027 MLS Sprint season, with the option for a further two years.
In joining Miami, which is co-owned by fellow Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham, Casemiro will become one of the few players to have had the opportunity to play alongside two of the all-time greats in Cristiano Ronaldo and Miami's Lionel Messi.
Looking ahead to this prospect, with Messi having recently returned to training following Argentina's run to the World Cup Final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time, Casemiro called his new teammate and former El Clásico rival "one of the gods, if not the god of football."
Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments
Argentina World Cup Final red card rescinded, face potential FIFA disciplinary action

#World #casemiro #fifa #become

La Liga giants Real Madrid have afforded a glimmer of hope to Premier League champions ******* nal amid their ongoing pursuit of Blancos star Vinícius Jr.
This comes amid confirmation that the board in Spain's capital have no intention of improving their contract offer to the attacker.
Wide-man Vinícius' current Real Madrid terms are due to expire in the summer of 2027. The two parties have sat down for negotiations over an extension on multiple occasions, but each time, have failed to reach a final agreement.
The player is understood to be seeking an increase to his already massive salary. Florentino Pérez and co, however, are of the opinion that the proposal currently on the table is more than sufficient.
For this reason, ******* nal, named as surprise summer suitors for Vinícius over the last couple of weeks, maintain hope of pulling off a groundbreaking deal for the 26-year-old.

#madrid #amid

Having landed earlier this week, the players were again hard at work in preparation for our first game of pre-season.
As always, Enzo Maresca put his players through their paces ahead of Saturday's clash with Inter.
Subscribe to CITY+ to watch our tour matches
We face the Italian giants in the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium at 12:30 (UK) on 1 August, with the match live on mancity.com and our official app for CITY+ subscribers.
After that, we'll travel to South Korean capital Seoul where we'll play the K League All Stars and Atletico Madrid.

#Inter

In a recent post on X, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that Manchester City are eager to recruit Olympique Marseille keeper Geronimo Rulli. It has been mentioned that the Mancunian giants are keen on signing the Argentine goalie after identifying him as an ideal replacement for James Trafford this off-season.
Rulli enjoyed a decent campaign at Marseille recently after he produced a run of solid displays for them in Ligue 1. The 34-year-old conceded 52 goals and kept nine clean sheets in 39 appearances for the French outfit last season in various competitions.
The Argentine talent is currently one of the most experienced keepers in his homeland. Hence, Man City would do well to get a deal done for him later this year.
His current contract at the French club will run out at the end of next season, which could open the door for the Mancunian club to land him in this transfer window.
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Geronimo Rulli of Olympique de Marseille adjusts his gloves prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

#madrid #season #argentine

CLEVELAND (AP) — Forward Mario Hezonja will return to the NBA for the first time in six years after signing a one-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hezonja has played the last four years for Real Madrid and was the Spanish League MVP after averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 ****** ists this past season.
The 31-year-old from Croatia was the fifth overall pick by Orlando in the 2015 NBA draft and played five seasons for the Magic, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers. He averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 ****** ists.
Hezonja also played in the EuroLeague for Panathinaikos in Greece and Russia's UNICS Kazan.
Cleveland — which advanced to the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time in 2018 — had a need for depth in the front court after the departures of Dean Wade and Keon Ellis during free agency.

#hezonja #first #years

After a break of several weeks, Real Madrid have recorded another success in the transfer market as they landed the Levante forward Carlos Espi after paying his release clause on Thursday. Furthermore, they continue to work towards the signing of Yan Diomande, while the operation for Rodri Hernandez is currently on hold.
Another operation they are working on and which can have significant implications for their team is that of the renewal of the winger Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian has been engaged in negotiations with the Merengue club for several months now, but the two parties have still not reached an agreement, with only a year left on his contract.
Now, Real Madrid are keen to bring this matter to its conclusion, and according to MARCA, they have already informed the player's entourage that their latest offer is the final one, and there will be no further negotiations. The winger will either accept this offer, or they will put him on the market this summer, to avoid losing him for free next year.
In case the Brazilian does not agree to a departure, the possibility of him being left on the bench could become much more real if the Merengues end up signing Yan Diomande, who can play on both wings.
Los Blancos' perception of the winger has not changed. They continue to consider him a key player for their team and also agree that he deserves a raise after the growth he has shown in the last few years. However, they are not willing to break the wage structure for any player, irrespective of how important he is.

#real #market

BILD and transfer journalist Matteo Moretto reported Bayer Leverkusen are on the verge of signing Miguel Gutiérrez from Napoli. The Bundesliga side are tracking several profiles to fill the void left by Alejandro Grimaldo's move to Atlético Madrid.
While there are reports over positive talks with Marseille for Argentine defender Facundo Medina, Die Werkself could now close the file with the arrival of the 25-year-old from Naples. The transfer fee is reported to be somewhere between €25-30 million.
The former Spanish youth international played 28 Serie A games for Napoli last season. He also featured five times in their Champions League campaign that ended in the league phase. Gutiérrez joined the then-champions Napoli from Girona for €18 million last summer.

#napoli #guti #transfer

Real Madrid will play their third pre-season friendly match tomorrow when they take on Serie A side Fiorentina in Austria.
Having faced Spanish sides Alcorcon and Leganes in training matches at the club's training facilities so far, Saturday's fixture comes as a bigger test for Jose Mourinho's new-look Real Madrid outfit.
With the squad list now announced, Real Madrid have confirmed that two of their five new signings – Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espi – will be travelling to Austria.
Carlos Espi is in the squad. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Dumfries, signed from Inter Milan by activating his €20 million release clause, joined the pre-season training earlier this week and has had a number of sessions under his belt already.

#madrid #austria #carlos

After having made four important signings a few days after the end of the last season, Real Madrid experienced a brief pause in their transfer activity in the last few weeks. However, things seem to be heating up once again with the Merengue club.
On Thursday, they completed their fifth signing of the summer as they paid his release clause to land the Levante forward Carlos Espi. Meanwhile, they are also linked with some more blockbuster signings going forward.
One player whose links with Los Blancos have strengthened significantly in the last few days is the Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez. Recent reports suggested that Real Madrid are now actively working on the operation to land him.
However, according to Diario AS, the operation for his signing has been put on hold by the Merengue club. Their ultimate plan about his signing remains unchanged, but for now, they are looking to get done with some other transfer operations they are engaged in.
The most notable of these operations is that of Yan Diomande's signing. The Ivorian winger has already signed a five-year contract with Los Blancos, but the Spanish club is yet to iron out a few remaining discrepancies before they can reach an agreement with the Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

#last #signings

According to José Félix Díaz of AS , Real Madrid have temporarily slowed down their attempt to sign Rodri as the club is focused on finalizing the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande .
Although the Spanish midfielder remains a priority for José Mourinho's squad, the club's hierarchy have decided to complete the arrival of the Ivorian before resuming negotiations with Manchester City.
Diomande's transfer has entered its final stage , with personal terms already fully agreed.
The 21-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with Real Madrid , and only the legal and administrative details remain to be finalized before the transfer can be officially completed.
Initially, the deal was expected to be wrapped up at the start of this week. However, disagreements over several contractual clauses between the two clubs delayed the process more than expected.

#madrid #expected #rodri

Real Madrid have given Brazilian star Vinicius Junior a clear ultimatum: sign the extension offer currently on the table, or accept that the club will explore a transfer before the close of the summer window. That's according to a report published today on MARCA.
Los Blancos want to avoid the scenario where they enter the 2026-2027 with Vinicius still on an expiring deal, something which could very well be problematic given that the player would be able to negotiate with other clubs on January 1st, 2027.
The negotiations between the club and Vinicius' representatives will resume this weekend and also next week. However, Real Madrid have made it very clear that this now is their very last offer and that the player will need to sign it if he wants to play for the club this upcoming season.

#brazilian

Lazio's hopes of signing Spanish striker Carlos Espi from Levante have faded, with Real Madrid pulling off the coup.
In recent weeks, the Biancocelesti were said to be tracking the 21-year-old centre-forward who played an instrumental role in Levante's survival last season. The young bomber netted 11 goals in 26 appearances, including decisive strikes towards the end of the campaign.
In addition to Lazio, the Spaniard had also attracted interest from the Premier League, with Hull City also on this trail. But on Thursday evening, Espi completed an out-of-the-blue transfer to Real Madrid, who identified him as the right replacement for Fulham-bound Gonzalo Garcia. The 15-time European champions confirmed the move with the following statement (via ESPN).
Real Madrid C.F. and Levante U.D. have agreed to the transfer of Carlos Espí, who will be tied to our club for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2031
Unfortunately for Lazio fans, missing out on transfer targets has become the norm rather than the exception. This summer, the management failed to finalize a deal with Bayern Munich for Jonathan Asp Jensen, who was keen to join the Italian capital side, but eventually had to accept a move to Deportivo La Coruña.

#madrid #espi #levante #spanish

Real Madrid's academy continues to prove one of the club's greatest financial ****** ets.
With Gonzalo García's move to Fulham now agreed and Cesar Palacios expected to follow soon, Los Blancos are closing in on €200 million generated from academy player sales this summer alone, smashing every previous club record, reports AS.
The figure had already surpassed the previous benchmark of €102 million, set in the summer of 2017. Now, with more departures still expected before the transfer window closes, the total could rise even further.
Gonzalo has become one of the biggest academy sales in Real Madrid history.
The striker is set to join Fulham in a deal worth €40 million plus a further €2 million in bonuses, with the club selling 70% of his sporting rights while retaining a 30% stake.

#real #gonzalo #fulham #club

Manchester City have set a €75M asking price for Rodri amid interest from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are pursuing a deal to sign the Spain captain, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad. Rodri is receptive to the interest from Spain and open to a return to La Liga, having expressed his desire to return home
"I've got a year left on my contract [at City] and at some point we'll have to sit down and talk," Rodri told Onda Cero in March. "I'd like to return [to LaLiga], obviously."
Asked if his time at Atletico Madrid would block a transfer to Real Madrid, he added: "No, no. There have been a lot of players who have taken that path. Above all, when they've not done it directly, but over time. For me, you can't rule out the best clubs in the world."
Manchester City do not want to sell the 30-year-old, who won the Golden Ball as Spain lifted the World Cup this summer. However, Rodri's refusal to sign a new deal could persuade City to cash-in, rather than lose the midfielder for free in 2027.

#city #rodri #return

Real Madrid are weighing up a move for Levante striker Carlos Espi in a shock swoop, as per transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.
Espi was one of the breakout stars in La Liga last season, scoring 11 goals in 25 appearances.
The towering striker demonstrated significant aerial dominance, physical capacity and predatory instincts in the 18-yard box.
Madrid are prepared to let Gonzalo Garcia leave the club and move to the Premier League.
They have been watching Espi closely for a few years. They previously sought to bring him into their academy in 2023.

#move #romano

Ferran Torres' future at Barcelona is becoming increasingly uncertain as interest in the Spanish forward continues to grow across Europe.
What had previously appeared to be a battle between Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid has now expanded, with Tottenham Hotspur and ****** nal also monitoring his situation, according to reports from England, as relayed by SPORT.
With his contract set to expire in 2027, Ferran has become one of the most attractive players on the market.
Barcelona have already informed his representatives that they intend to open renewal talks in September, but there is growing concern within the club that strong offers from abroad could complicate those plans.
Ferran's stock has risen significantly following an impressive season and an outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign, where he received widespread praise for his performances.

#Barcelona #spanish #Europe

Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid among those honouring legendary Milan and Italy defender Franco Baresi, who has died at the age of 66.
Football clubs, players and fans pay tribute to Franco Baresi, who died last night at 66.
The former Milan and Italy defender underwent surgery in August 2025 to remove a pulmonary nodule and then began a course of immunotherapy.
Milan announced the death of their legend in the morning, and the Rossoneri's statement was followed by reactions from several Italian and European clubs as well as football fans on social media.
"Announcing the loss of someone who embodied the heart and soul of AC Milan, is incredibly difficult. But everyone at the Club and all the Milanisti must live up to Franco Baresi's memory," Milan wrote.

#Football

According to Jose Felix Diaz of AS, Real Madrid have temporarily slowed their pursuit of Rodri as the club concentrates on finalising the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
While the Spanish midfielder remains a priority for Jose Mourinho's squad, club officials have decided to complete the Ivorian's arrival before reopening negotiations with Manchester City.
The transfer of Diomande has entered its final stages, with personal terms already fully agreed.
The 21-year-old has accepted a five-year contract with Real Madrid, and only the final legal and administrative details remain before the move can be officially completed.
The original expectation was that the deal would be wrapped up earlier this week. However, disagreements over several contractual clauses between the two clubs delayed the process longer than anticipated.

#final #felix

PSG have no interest in making a move for AFC Bournemouth winger Rayan (19), according to Le Parisien. The Brazilian international was rumoured to be of interest for the back-to-back UEFA Champions League winners, but those rumours have been quashed by the Ligue 1 champions. PSG had an interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomandé, but the Ivory Coast international appears destined to join José Mourinho's Real Madrid side.
More movement is expected for PSG to bolster Luis Enrique's attacking options until the end of the summer transfer window. Les Parisiens have reached a €50m agreement with Ligue 1 rivals AS Monaco to sign Maghnes Akliouche. The versatile France international is expected to replace Lee Kang-in – who joined Atlético de Madrid in a €40m move – and bring competition for the right-winger to Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.
However, the latter could be sold with Liverpool expressing an interest. The Reds are expected to submit a bid to PSG. Meanwhile, the Ligue 1 champions also need a back-up striker after parting ways with Gonçalo Ramos. 2026 World Cup winner Ferran Torres and Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere are billed as the favourites to bring depth.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#champions #international #back

Real Madrid were quick to make new additions to their defense and midfield after the end of the last season, as they signed, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva.
For the attack, the only major addition in the early phase of the window was the return of the Brazilian forward Endrick from his loan with Lyon. However, the Merengues have now made another addition to their forward line.
As MARCA has reported, Los Blancos have already completed and announced their fifth signing of the summer, i.e., the striker Carlos Espi, whom they have landed after paying his €25 million release clause to Levante. The player has signed a contract till 2031 with Real Madrid.
This new signing will fill the void that will be left with the departure of Gonzalo Garcia, who is very close to completing a move to the Premier League side Fulham, where he will be playing under the former Merengue coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Los Blancos moved very fast for this latest signing, and only a few hours after reports emerged of their interest in the Spaniard, they had already officially announced his signing. This transfer also disturbs the plans of some Premier League sides, like Hull City and Brighton and Hove Albion, who were also willing to pay his release clause, and the latter already had a deal in place with Levante.

#signed

Manchester City's summer has the feel of a club trying to choreograph renewal without surrendering control. According to talkSPORT, City have "agreed terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi", a significant step in a move that says much about where the Premier League side see their future.
The 19-year-old Lille midfielder has emerged as one of the market's most coveted young players, and City are reportedly "in advanced talks with Lille to sign the breakout World Cup star". That wording matters. It frames Bouaddi as more than a prospect, he is being pursued as a player ready to alter the direction of an elite midfield.
Lille are said to want €100million, which the original report notes is £86m, though "they are willing to discount the price if a loan or pre-agreement can be reached with City". City's preference, however, "is to sign and keep him". That is the language of conviction. Clubs do not usually insist on immediate possession unless they believe the adaptation curve can be shortened.
There is, too, the wider context of competition. "Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also understood to have shown interest in Bouaddi." In this sort of market, securing personal terms early can be as valuable as negotiating the fee itself.
The most intriguing strand is what Bouaddi's arrival could mean elsewhere. talkSPORT reports that "a deal for Bouaddi could lead to Rodri leaving City for Real Madrid." It adds that Madrid "have opened initial talks" and that Rodri "has made it clear that he wants to move". If true, City are not merely adding depth, they are preparing for succession at the game's most delicate position.

#lille #talksport

Since the 2025-26 season ended, Manchester City has seen a host of leadership and experience depart the club. Pep Guardiola stepped down as Manchester City's manager. He has been replaced by Enzo Maresca. Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake and John Stones have also departed the club. Their departures, coupled with Pep Guardiola's, create a void in terms of leadership and experience in the City squad. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Manchester City do need a new crop of leaders to rise to the fore.
Last season, Pep Guardiola named Bernardo Silva as the Manchester City captain with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland completing Manchester City's leadership group. Of those four players, Bernardo Silva is now a Real Madrid player. There are doubts that surround the future of Rodri. Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias do look to be the standout candidates to become the next captain for Manchester City.
Outside of Haaland, Dias and Rodri, if he stays, Manchester City do need other players to step up and become leaders. It is time for other players to fill the void left behind following the loss of bonafide leaders and experienced players. Gianluigi Donnarumma looks to be a prime candidate to step up as a leader for Enzo Maresca's side. As does Marc Guehi. Both players have been leaders throughout their careers and could make a step up in this regard for Enzo Maresca.
Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden are two other players who have the potential to be leaders in Manchester City's new era. Foden is now a seasoned professional and knows intimately the high standards demanded at City. Josko Gvardiol has signed a long-term contract extension and the natural progression for him is to become a leader for his team. Foden and Gvardiol are two players who seem primed to step up as leaders and hopefully other candidates will emerge during Manchester City's preseason tour of Asia.
Manchester City do need a new crop of leaders to emerge for the 2026-27 season and beyond. The standards expected at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have been established by Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake and the club legends that have departed before them. To carry on those standards, City will need a new batch of leaders to emerge. It is a crucial element of any team and the sooner that Manchester City's next crop of leaders reveal themselves the better it will bw for Enzo Maresca's side.

#enzo

View Link
On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani discusses:
The incredible business model of the Real Madrid academy
How the Gonzalo Garcia deal works: the rights, future scenarios, etc
Cesar Palacios

#podcast

Real Madrid's newest signing, Carlos Espi, is set to start training at his new club from Friday, according to Arancha Rodriguez of COPE.
Jose Mourinho — who, according to Rodriguez, was influential in Real Madrid signing Espi — will start working with the Spaniard a day after the signing was announced.
Mourinho reportedly brought the club's attention to needing a striker who can be a huge presence inside the box, and recommended Espi — who he wanted specifically — to the higher-ups. The club then made the signing happen in just a few hours, showing their faith in Mourinho and putting in the effort and investment into making the project work.
Real Madrid signed Espi after selling Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham for 40 million euros on Friday, and now have the tall, physical striker that has been lacking from the squad since the departure of Joselu in 2024.
Real Madrid's squad will be full once Yan Diomande is officially announced, meaning the club would need to sell a player before they are able to sign anyone else.

#signing #Friday #rodriguez #madrid

Real Madrid have moved fast to solve their number nine problem. With Gonzalo García on his way to Fulham, the club triggered Carlos Espí's €25 million release clause at Levante within hours, tying the 21-year-old to the Bernabéu until June 2031.
Here's what Real Madrid fans need to know about their new forward.
Carlos Espí Escrihuela was born on July 24, 2005, in Tavernes de la Valldigna, a small town on the Valencian coast. He joined Levante's academy in 2022 from local side UD Alzira and made his first-team debut in February 2024, aged 18, in a Segunda División fixture against Racing de Ferrol.
He was part of the group that helped drag Levante back into La Liga, contributing six goals in 36 appearances during the promotion campaign, but it was this past season, in the top flight, that he made his name with 11 goals in 13 starts, a Player of the Month award in March, and the league's Best Under-23 Player prize. He is also a Spain youth international, capped at both U-19 and U-20 level.
At 6ft4in tall, he is a physical presence up top, a target man profile who fits the archetype of a modern number nine as much as a poacher.

#goals