Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid is reportedly prioritising a move for Elche’s Rodrigo Mendoza, according to Defensa Central
- Mendoza, aged 20, has registered 56 appearances, 5 goals, and 2 assists for Elche since his debut in 2022
- Currently featuring for Spain at the U20 World Cup, Mendoza contributed an assist during the 1:0 round of 16 win over Ukraine
Transfer Focus: Real Madrid’s Interest Intensifies
Reports emerging from Spain suggest that Real Madrid is actively pursuing Elche’s promising midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza. The 20-year-old has experienced a rapid ascent since making his first-team debut in 2022, quickly becoming a mainstay in the squad. Defensa Central notes that, despite interest from several high-profile European clubs, Mendoza is a priority target for Los Blancos.
🚨 Real Madrid are interested in Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza after he impressed at the U20 World Cup with Spain over the summer.
Xabi Alonso is on board with recruiting the player too.
His release clause at Elche is around €24M and his contract until until 2028.
(Source:… pic.twitter.com/hVpColFv64
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 9, 2025
Club and International Performances
Mendoza has established a strong presence in the Segunda División, amassing 44 appearances at that level. He has also featured five times in La Liga, where he has already found the back of the net once. Throughout all competitions for Elche, he has appeared 56 times, scoring 5 goals and contributing 2 assists.
Currently, Mendoza is representing Spain at the U20 World Cup. He made a significant impact by providing an assist in Spain’s 1:0 victory over Ukraine in the round of 16.
Contract Status and Release Clause
The young midfielder is under contract with Elche until June 2028. However, his contractual release clause stands at around €24 million, a figure that may prove tempting for top clubs seeking emerging talent.
| Player | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | League (Segunda División) | La Liga Appearances | International | Contract Until | Release Clause (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodrigo Mendoza | Elche | 56 | 5 | 2 | 44 | 5 (1 goal) | Spain U20 (1 assist in round of 16 vs Ukraine) | June 2028 | 24,000,000 |
Role in Elche’s 2025/2026 Campaign
At the outset of the 2025/2026 season, Mendoza was a crucial figure for Elche, though he has missed the club’s last three fixtures as a result of his ongoing participation in the U20 World Cup.
