Real Madrid Sign Carlos Espí on Five-Year Deal After 11-Goal LaLiga Season

Real Madrid have completed the signing of 21-year-old forward Carlos Espí from Levante on a contract running through June 30, 2031.

Real Madrid finalized the acquisition of 21-year-old striker Carlos Espí from Levante on Thursday, July 30, 2026, committing the Spain youth international to a contract that remains valid until June 30, 2031. The forward arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu following a season where he registered 11 goals in LaLiga, a tally that earned him the official award for the best player under the age of 23 in the Spanish top flight. This move, reported by ESPN, positions the youngster as the immediate successor to Gonzalo García, who is currently concluding a transfer to Premier League side Fulham.

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During his three-year professional tenure in Valencia, Espí made 66 appearances for Levante and found the back of the net 20 times across all competitions. His development culminates in this five-season agreement with the reigning European giants, where he joins a frontline featuring Kylian Mbappé and Endrick. The transfer marks a significant shift in the club's attacking hierarchy under the management of José Mourinho, who took over the coaching reins earlier this summer to oversee a squad overhaul.

Espí stands as the fifth major arrival of the current transfer window for Los Blancos. He follows the high-profile signings of Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, and Denzel Dumfries, as the board continues to provide Mourinho with defensive and midfield reinforcements. While the new striker prepares for his debut, former Chelsea defender Cucurella has already made headlines by publicly stating that the London club will always be his home despite his recent move to the Spanish capital.

Beyond the confirmed arrival of the Levante prospect, Real Madrid are actively pursuing further targets to bolster their depth. ESPN indicates that negotiations are nearing a conclusion for Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, while club executives maintain high confidence in securing Rodri from Manchester City. These potential additions are part of a broader strategy to dominate domestic and continental competitions following the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the France national team after his five-year hiatus.

Latest developments

Statistically, Espí’s 11-goal haul last term represented 55% of his total career output for his former club, highlighting a rapid upward trajectory in his finishing ability. His efficiency in the final third was the primary factor driving the scouting department to recommend a long-term investment. By securing his signature through 2031, the club has ensured that his peak years will be spent in Madrid, transitioning from a focal point at the Estadi Ciutat de València to a versatile option in a star-studded rotation.

The official statement released on Thursday afternoon confirmed that all paperwork between Real Madrid C.F. and Levante U.D. has been signed and ratified. This concludes a busy period for the player, who had been linked with several European sides before choosing to remain in Spain. His integration into the first-team training sessions is expected to begin immediately as the squad prepares for the upcoming campaign under the tactical guidance of their new Portuguese manager.

With the departure of Gonzalo García to London, the vacancy in the squad list was filled within hours, demonstrating the club's proactive approach to the market. The 21-year-old's arrival adds a different profile to the strike force, offering a physical presence that complements the pace of the existing wingers. As the July 30 deadline approached, the speed of the negotiations ensured that the Spain U23 star would be available for the full preseason schedule, allowing him to adapt to the rigorous demands of his new environment.

Every goal scored by the forward last season contributed to Levante's mid-table stability, but his individual accolades suggested he was ready for a higher level of competition. The transition to the Bernabéu represents the most significant step in his career to date, moving from a developmental role to the scrutiny of the world's most successful football institution. His 20-goal record over 66 games provides a solid foundation for a player who will now be expected to produce similar numbers on a much larger stage.