Real Madrid sign Levante forward Carlos Espi in fifth summer transfer deal

Real Madrid have completed the signing of young Spanish striker Carlos Espi from Levante, making the 20-year-old their fifth arrival of the current summer transfer window.

The Spanish giants confirmed the deal on Thursday, with Espi moving to the Bernabeu after a breakthrough season in La Liga, where he finished as Levante’s top scorer. Levante announced that the transfer represents the biggest sale of an academy product in the club’s history, describing the move as evidence of the player’s rapid progression in recent years.

No financial details were disclosed by either club, but Spanish newspaper AS reported that Levante were insistent on the full payment of Espi’s release clause, set at €25m.

Rapid rise from academy to La Liga

Espi joined Levante in the summer of 2022 as part of the club’s youth set-up and quickly established himself as a key figure at that level, helping the team win the league title. His performances earned him a first-team debut in February 2024.

The forward played a significant role in Levante’s promotion push from the Segunda Division, featuring in 36 league matches and scoring six goals as the Valencia-based club secured a return to La Liga.

In his first season in Spain’s top flight, Espi’s impact increased markedly. He made 25 league appearances and scored 11 goals, finishing as Levante’s leading scorer. His form was recognised with the La Liga Player of the Month award for March, and he was later named the league’s Best Under-23 Player at the end of the season.

By the time of his departure, Espi had played 66 matches for Levante’s first team in all competitions, scoring 20 goals. On the international stage, he has represented Spain at under-19 and under-20 level.

Madrid continue summer rebuild

Espi’s arrival extends Real Madrid’s busy summer recruitment drive, with the club now having made five signings in the current window. The Spanish champions have already added defender Marc Cucurella, full-back Denzel Dumfries, centre-back Ibrahima Konate and midfielder Bernardo Silva to their squad.

The capture of Espi underlines Madrid’s strategy of combining established international stars with emerging talent from within La Liga, as they strengthen their options across the pitch for the new season.