Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
In the matter of weeks, Rodri once again became a villain at Real Madrid by opting to reject a move to Bernabeu to join rival Barcelona.
Rodri was already a controversial figure in Madrid after the 2024 Ballon d’Or saga. And now, his decision to join Barcelona despite close to a move to Real Madrid, has further irked the club and its supporters.
As far as the Real Madrid stars are concerned, though, they are not too obsessed about the fact that Rodri has joined Barcelona, as evident by Thibaut Courtois’ reaction recently.
Courtois on Rodri’s move
Rodri, Spain and Manchester City player
Rodri is once again a hated figure at Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Speaking to the media after the narrow win over Espanyol, Courtois was asked about Rodri’s move to Barcelona.
In response, the Belgian international simply respected the midfielder’s choice but believes he made an unfortunate decision.
“Every player chooses the place he wants to be in. If he doesn’t want to be with us, that’s unfortunate for him,” he said (h/t The Touchline).
Rodri was close to joining Real Madrid earlier in the summer. But complications in negotiations opened up the door for Barcelona to swoop in, with the midfielder not hesitating in joining the Catalan outfit.
Real Madrid on the prowl
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho wants a new midfielder. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The botched move for Rodri understandably left Jose Mourinho frustrated and the new Real Madrid coach is keen on signing a new midfielder.
Unfortunately, with just about a week remaining in the summer transfer window, time and options are running out for Los Blancos.
The club have been linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi but his high valuation set by Arsenal means he is longer an option.
Another midfield target Adam Wharton is also set to stay at Crystal Palace, as confirmed by manager Pierre Sage recently.
That leaves Real Madrid with Kees Smit as the only possible option should the club grow desperate to bring in a new midfielder this summer.
Smit has shown a lot of potential and could be a cost-effective option for Los Blancos.
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid's new star
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Among all the new signings at Real Madrid, Carlos Espi was perhaps the least glamarous as he came in to replace Gonzalo Garcia and serve as the club’s secondary forward.
But in his first month at the club, he has already made quite the impact, notably securing a late winner in Real Madrid’s season opener against Espanyol.
The striker has already built a strong bond with coach Jose Mourinho, which was evident given the way the Real Madrid coach spoke about him after the match while also giving him a paternal hug after the final whistle.
Real Madrid are delighted
Carlos Espi and Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid stars
Espi has done superbly at Real Madrid so far. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
According to Diario AS, Espi has quickly become a fixture at Valdebebas, spending more time there than at his own home in the capital since arriving on July 31.
Mourinho revealed he now regularly has breakfast, lunch and dinner with the striker, describing him as “a lot of fun.”
The pair have hit it off fast, and it shows. Cucurella, another regular at the training ground, has also struck up a close friendship with him.
The signing itself came together quickly. Juni Calafat proposed the deal, and Mourinho personally sealed it with a phone call.
With his release clause at Levante set at just €25 million, and Espi having scored 11 LaLiga goals in 2026 alone, more than Mbappe, Real Madrid felt they had pulled off a coup right under the Premier League’s nose.
Impressing physically and fitting in everywhere
Carlos Espi and Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid stars
Espi can become an ideal alternative for Mbappe. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Internally, Real Madrid have been especially impressed by his physical profile. At 1.94 metres, he brings a presence the squad lacked, along with subtler qualities like his ability to hold up play with his back to goal.
The club believe he can combine effectively with anyone in the front line, Mbappe included. Against Espanyol, he read the Frenchman’s run to collect the loose ball before finishing calmly for the winner.
With a full pre-season under his belt, unlike much of the squad still returning from the World Cup, Espi offers something few others currently can.