Real Madrid Signs Levante Forward Carlos Espi for €25 Million Release Clause
Real Madrid has triggered the €25 million release clause for 21-year-old Levante forward Carlos Espi, disrupting transfer plans from Brighton, Hull City, and other European clubs. Espi, a breakout La Liga star with 11 goals last season, preferred to stay in Spain. Levante confirmed the deal as the highest transfer fee for a homegrown player in club history. Espi will serve as a backup forward under coach José Mourinho.
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Youth Coach Compares New Real Madrid Signing Espi to Ibrahimovic, Hopes for Mbappé Partnership
19-year-old forward Carlos Espi has officially joined Real Madrid, as confirmed by his youth coach Pascu Domingo in an interview with AS. Domingo revealed that Jose Mourinho personally called Espi, halting all other negotiations, including interest from Premier League clubs. Domingo, who coached Espi at Alzira's youth B team and saved his job thanks to Espi's two-goal performance, described the player's style as deceptive—resembling Borja Iglesias or even Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He noted that Espi is agile, fast, and a prolific finisher, capable of breaking down low-block defenses. Domingo expressed hope to see Espi partner Kylian Mbappé in a 4-4-2 formation, stating Real Madrid has lacked this type of forward since Joselu. He also claimed Espi would have made the World Cup squad if he had broken out earlier. The coach emphasized Espi's family support and predicted great success at both club and national team levels.
Marca: Real Madrid Signs Carlos Espi from Levante, Setting Youth Academy Transfer Record
Real Madrid has completed the signing of 19-year-old forward Carlos Espi from Levante, making him the highest-paid transfer in Levante's youth academy history. Espi, who contributed 11 goals and 2 assists in 1,300 minutes of playing time during the 2025-26 season, had previously rejected a loan offer to a Segunda División team. Real Madrid first attempted to sign him for their Castilla B team in March 2024, but Levante refused, believing in his potential. Two years later, Real Madrid returned with a successful offer, activating his €25 million release clause. Espi's rise includes a breakout promotion season with Levante, winning La Liga Player of the Month in March, and a reputation for humility, exemplified by sharing his award with teammates. His journey began in Tavernes de la Valldigna, where he showed early fearlessness and ambition, eventually developing into a 'gladiator' in the box at Levante's Buñol training ground.
Real Madrid Signs Carlos Espi from Levante in Lightning-Fast Transfer
Real Madrid completed a rapid transfer for defender Carlos Espi from Levante, with the entire process from initial leak to official announcement taking less than four hours. The first report of Real Madrid's interest came from journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon at 00:16 Beijing time on July 31. By 04:15 Beijing time, Levante had officially confirmed the transfer. Espi signed a five-season contract with Real Madrid, valid until June 30, 2031. The swift deal highlights Real Madrid's efficient transfer operations and the player's high demand.
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Romano: Real Madrid Took Only 5 Minutes to Agree with Espi, Informed Levante of Release Clause Payment
According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid completed the signing of forward Carlos Espi in a remarkably swift transfer operation. The deal originated from Premier League interest, with Hull City and Brighton both prepared to activate Espi's release clause. However, after Real Madrid sold young forward Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham, head coach Jose Mourinho requested a new center-forward. Real Madrid's management immediately contacted Espi's agent, asking the player to delay responses to Premier League offers. Espi prioritized Real Madrid, and the club reached a personal agreement with the player in just five minutes. Real Madrid then formally notified Levante that they would pay the release clause, securing the transfer ahead of Premier League competition.
Transfer Market: Real Madrid Signs Young Striker Carlos Espi from Levante
Real Madrid surprised fans by officially announcing the signing of 21-year-old striker Carlos Espi from Levante on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The move comes after the club had already secured high-profile arrivals including Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, and coach José Mourinho. Espi, a 1.94m tall forward, scored 13 goals last season and was named La Liga's best prospect. He has played 66 matches for Levante, scoring 20 goals, and is a Spanish U19 and U20 international. Real Madrid triggered his €25 million release clause, beating interest from Brighton. Levante confirmed it is the biggest sale in club history for a youth academy product. The signing fuels speculation about Gonzalo Garcia's potential departure from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Signs Carlos Espi from Levante for €25 Million
Real Madrid has signed 21-year-old striker Carlos Espi from Levante for a reported €25 million, with the player agreeing to a five-year contract. Espi, who became a starter for Levante only in February, has made 25 La Liga appearances and scored 11 goals. The transfer is seen as a replacement for Gonzalo Garcia, who is reportedly heading to Fulham. Espi, standing at 1.94 meters, was heavily utilized by Levante coach Luis Castro and has quickly risen from a bench role to a key player, prompting Real Madrid to secure his signing.
Official: Carlos Espí Joins Real Madrid from Levante
Real Madrid and Levante have officially agreed on the transfer of Valencian forward Carlos Espí to the white club, as announced on July 30, 2026. The lightning-fast operation was approved by manager José Mourinho and follows the departure of Gonzalo to Fulham. Espí becomes Real Madrid's fifth signing of the transfer window, joining Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Dumfries, and Konaté. The announcement was confirmed via official statements from both clubs on social media. The article, published by AS Football, highlights the strategic timing of the move and Espí's role in Mourinho's squad.
Real Madrid Officially Signs 21-Year-Old Forward Carlos Espi from Levante
Real Madrid has officially announced the signing of 21-year-old forward Carlos Espi from Levante, with the player agreeing to a five-season contract valid until June 30, 2031. Espi spent three seasons at Levante, making 66 appearances and scoring 20 goals. He was named the Best U23 Player in the Spanish League last season and has represented Spain at the U19 and U20 levels. The transfer was confirmed by Real Madrid's official website and reported by Hupu Soccer on July 30.
Reporter: Carlos Espi Undergoes Real Madrid Medical Examination
According to Spanish Six TV reporter Germán Muñoz, Levante forward Carlos Espi underwent a medical examination with Real Madrid on Thursday morning local time. Real Madrid is prepared to activate the €25 million release clause in Espi's contract with Levante. If no complications arise, Espi is expected to officially become a Real Madrid player. The news was reported by Hupu Soccer, citing the Spanish reporter's post on X (formerly Twitter). The transfer appears to be in its final stages pending the medical results.
Levante and Real Madrid Reach Agreement for Transfer of Carlos Espi
Levante officially announced an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of forward Carlos Espi, marking the highest transfer fee for a homegrown youth player in Levante's history. Espi joined Levante in 2022 as a youth player, quickly rising through the ranks. He made his first-team debut in February 2024 and became a key figure in Levante's promotion to La Liga. In his debut La Liga season, he made 25 appearances, scored 11 goals, and won La Liga Player of the Month for March and the Best U23 Player award. Overall, he made 66 first-team appearances for Levante, scoring 20 goals, and also represented Spain's U19 and U20 national teams. Levante praised his growth and the club's youth development system in a farewell statement.
Real Madrid's Interest Threatens Hull City's Deal for Levante Striker Carlos Espi
According to AS, Real Madrid has entered the race to sign 21-year-old Levante striker Carlos Espi, jeopardizing a previously agreed transfer with Hull City. Hull City had essentially finalized the deal, including a formal offer to Levante, and was only awaiting personal terms with the player. However, after Real Madrid expressed interest and held initial talks with Levante and Espi's representatives, the player has paused all other negotiations to wait for developments. Levante insists on the €25 million release clause. Espi, who scored 13 goals in 27 appearances last season, is seen by Real Madrid as a potential Joselu-type backup forward willing to serve as a substitute for Mbappé. Hull City, now back in the Premier League, had targeted Espi as a key signing for their survival and European qualification ambitions. The deal is now at risk of collapsing.
Real Madrid Expresses Willingness to Pay Carlos Espi's Release Clause
According to a report from Spain's Zero Hour Radio Valencia station, Real Madrid has entered the race to sign Levante player Carlos Espi. A meeting was held this afternoon between relevant parties, during which Real Madrid indicated their willingness to pay the player's release clause. The report states that if Real Madrid formally submits an offer, Espi will join the team coached by José Mourinho. The news was published by Hupu Football on July 30th, citing a source on X.
Real Madrid's Interest in Carlos Espi Disrupts Brighton's Transfer Plans
According to Marca, Real Madrid has entered the race to sign Levante forward Carlos Espi, disrupting what was a near-complete transfer to Brighton. The 19-year-old Spanish striker, born in 2005, was one of La Liga's biggest surprises last season, scoring 11 goals in the second half to help Levante avoid relegation. Brighton had been in the leading position both in terms of offer and player preference, but Real Madrid's late intervention has caused Levante to pause negotiations. Espi's release clause is set at 25 million euros after a recent contract extension until June 2028. Levante is open to performance-related add-ons to lower the fixed fee. Villarreal was also interested but found the clause too high. To protect their asset during negotiations, Levante has kept Espi out of preseason matches and training. The sale is considered crucial for Levante's financial situation and new season planning.
Real Madrid Considers Triggering €25 Million Release Clause for Levante Forward Carlos Espi
According to COPE Radio, Real Madrid is considering signing 21-year-old Levante forward Carlos Espi after selling Gonzalo to Fulham. The Spanish club may pay his €25 million release clause to secure the transfer. Brighton had been the most aggressive pursuer of Espi, but the player prefers to remain in Spain rather than move abroad. Levante insists on the full release clause as the basis for his departure. Espi has not participated in full team training this week, only training alone in the gym. Real Madrid previously attempted to bring him into their youth system during the 2023-24 season. Multiple clubs from the Premier League, Germany, and Italy have also contacted Espi this summer.