Real Madrid has announced the signing of Carlos Espi. The 21-year-old is considered a major prospect at the forward position in Spain and has already proven his abilities in La Liga.
Carlos Espi came up through the ranks at Levante Union Deportiva, got his first taste of professional soccer in Spain’s second division during the 2023–24 season, and established himself as a regular starter just one year later. With six goals in 36 games, the striker helped Levante earn promotion to the top flight. Last season, the talented player immediately proved his top-flight credentials: 11 goals in 25 games; among other accolades, he was named La Liga Player of the Month in March 2026.
The Spanish youth international played a key role in helping Levante avoid relegation and was also voted the best U-23 player in Spain’s top flight last season. His performances caught the attention of Real Madrid, who have now moved to secure the 21-year-old’s services. Espi signed a long-term five-year contract with Real Madrid, running through June 30, 2031.
He didn’t come cheap, however, as Real Madrid had to exercise a buyout clause—according to Spanish media reports—which will bring 25 million euros into Levante’s coffers. The exact transfer fee was not officially announced, but Levante confirmed that it was the “largest sale to date of a player trained at the Granota Academy in the club’s history.”
Mourinho’s Wish Has Been Granted
In addition to Real Madrid, England’s Hull City also showed interest in the forward, but in the end, the offer from the record-holding Champions League winner proved more convincing. Real will play a friendly against AC Florence in Klagenfurt on Saturday (6 p.m.)—it remains to be seen whether the new signing will be able to play in that match. It’s clear that Espi will have to fight for every minute of playing time with the Royals; after all, the competition for the center-forward position, led by World Cup record-holder Kylian Mbappé, is fierce.
The Royals are thus also fulfilling a wish of head coach José Mourinho, who saw a need for action at the center-forward position. With the 1.94-meter-tall player, Real has now responded. Following Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea FC), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), and Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool FC), Espi is the fifth new signing for the Royals this summer.