Real Madrid are extremely happy with new signing after match-winning goal vs Espanyol

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.

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.

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.