Real Madrid are seriously considering a summer move for Levante striker Carlos Espí to reinforce their attacking options, according to Spanish outlet Diario AS.
Initial contact has been established between Los Blancos, Levante, and the player’s camp. However, negotiations remain in their early stages, with no formal offer or final agreement reached so far.
Real Madrid’s concrete interest has prompted the 21-year-old forward to pause a potential move to Hull City. The Championship side had already submitted an official proposal and reached a near-complete agreement with Levante, leaving only personal terms to be finalized.
Why Real Madrid Want Carlos Espí
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Espí comes as Gonzalo García nears a €40 million move to Fulham for 66% of his economic rights—a deal structured with a buy-back clause and a future sell-on percentage retained by the Spanish giants.
With Gonzalo’s departure leaving Endrick as the sole natural backup striker to Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid are actively searching for a young center-forward to balance the squad.
The club’s hierarchy is not looking for a high-profile signing; instead, they favor a promising target man capable of excelling inside the box and accepting a rotational role—much like Joselu’s contribution in previous seasons.
Standing at 1.94 meters (6’4″), Espí fits this profile perfectly with his physical presence, aerial dominant play, and clinical positioning inside the penalty area. Levante are holding firm on his full €25 million release clause, with the player currently under contract until June 2028.
Real Madrid previously tracked Espí in April 2024 for Real Madrid Castilla. Felipe Miñambres, Levante’s former sporting director, revealed at the time that the club had rejected a formal bid from the Merengues.
Carlos Espí: Career and Levante Stats
Espí developed through the youth ranks at UD Alzira before joining Levante’s academy in 2022. He made his senior reserve debut in November 2023.
The Spanish striker earned his first-team debut against Racing Ferrol in February 2024, scoring his first professional goal against AD Alcorcón later that season.
Espí featured 37 times across all competitions during the 2024–25 season, scoring six goals. He enjoyed a breakout performance last season, netting 13 goals in 27 appearances—including 11 La Liga goals that proved vital in securing Levante’s survival.
His standout campaign earned him the La Liga Under-23 Player of the Season award. Internationally, he has represented Spain at both U-19 and U-20 levels.
Currently, Espí is training individually to avoid injury risks while his future is sorted, holding off his advanced negotiations with Hull City as he awaits developments from Madrid.
