Real Madrid seals lightning‑fast deal for Carlos Espí, who signs until 2031
Levante and the Madrid announce that the Valencian striker will join Mourinho’s squad. He becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer.
Real Madrid has pulled off the flash transfer of the summer, striking a full agreement with Levante for the arrival of Carlos Espí, the 21‑year‑old striker from Valencia.
The move, approved by José Mourinho and triggered by Gonzalo’s departure to Fulham, becomes the club’s fifth signing of the window after Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Dumfries and Konaté.
A $27 million deal closed in record time
The operation moved at breakneck speed. As revealed by AS on Thursday, negotiations were already underway — and shortly afterward, Real Madrid informed Levante that it would pay the striker’s $27 million release clause. Levante then made the transfer official.
Espí will fly to Madrid this Friday to undergo his medical after halting all talks with several Premier League clubs once he learned of Real Madrid’s interest. The sale is now the largest outgoing academy transfer in Levante’s history.
A necessary sale for Levante
Espí’s exit had been an open secret. Levante is navigating a difficult financial period, and the club had planned to sell him from the start of the summer window. The striker’s breakout season — 13 goals in 27 matches across league and cup — made him one of Spain’s most coveted young forwards.
Levante released an emotional farewell message, thanking Espí for his years at the club:
“Thank you for every effort, for your commitment, and for the passion with which you defended this badge from day one. We are proud to have accompanied you in your growth and to see you take on a new professional challenge. This will always be your home. The granota family wishes you all the luck and success in this new stage.”
What this means for Real Madrid
Espí arrives as the new backup striker behind Kylian Mbappé, filling the role previously held by Joselu — a reliable finisher who can change the rhythm of a match and offer a pure No. 9 profile when Mourinho needs it.
With the deal done and the medical pending, Real Madrid has completed the first step. Now the club turns its attention to integrating its newest signing into a squad built to compete for everything.