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On the same day Real Madrid reportedly finalized a deal to sell Gonzalo García to Fulham, the Spanish powerhouse has secured 21-year-old forward Carlos Espí from Levante.
Espí had attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe, including Brighton & Hove Albion and Hull City, but Los Blancos swooped in to claim the striker's signature within just a matter of hours. Real Madrid activated Espí's $28.8 million (€25 million) release clause to bring him to the Bernabéu.
AS reports that Real Madrid entered the race at the eleventh hour to open talks with both Levante and Espí's representatives. The forward put all other discussions on hold to prioritize the 15-time European champions—and he is now set to join José Mourinho's side.
Espí, who has penned a five-year contract with Real Madrid, arrives off the back of a breakthrough season at Levante. After struggling for game time in the first half of 2025–26, the Spaniard finished the campaign with 13 goals in 27 appearances. Particularly notable were the 11 La Liga strikes that played a key role in keeping the Valencian club in the top flight.
Why Real Madrid Signed Espí
👋 Welcome, Carlos Espí! 👋 pic.twitter.com/sgLXlrG7Nr
Los Blancos' move for Espí may appear puzzling given that they simultaneously offloaded their natural No. 9 in Gonzalo. Spending money on a new striker while letting one go might seem counterintuitive, but it ultimately reflects shrewd business from the club.
Gonzalo was a top priority for Álvaro Arbeloa at Fulham, and Los Blancos were well aware that the former manager was prepared to spend heavily to land the striker. Reports indicate the Cottagers paid $46.1 million (€40 million) for him, along with $11.5 million (€10 million) for Castilla talent César Palacios.
Real Madrid profited from both sales and then turned around to secure Gonzalo's replacement for just $28.8 million (€25 million), netting a healthy profit in the process.
The club also gains a natural No. 9 capable of filling a role similar to Joselu. Espí can make an impact from the bench and is more than capable of leading the line in cup competitions, helping Mourinho better manage squad rotation—something Arbeloa found difficult to handle.
Joining Los Blancos Is a Risk for Espí
It's difficult to turn down Real Madrid when they come calling, but Espí faces a stern test at the Bernabéu—one that could prove challenging for his development.
The young striker will likely encounter the same hurdles that Gonzalo faced. Espí sits behind both Mbappé and Endrick in the squad hierarchy, and may also find himself competing for minutes with Brahim Díaz, who frequently leads the line alongside Vinícius Júnior when Kylian Mbappé is rested or unavailable through injury.
The new arrival could certainly make his mark in the Copa del Rey, though Real Madrid have a tendency to exit the competition prematurely. Last season, they were eliminated as early as the round of 16 by second-division side Albacete.
Espí would likely have earned far more playing time had he opted for Brighton or Hull in the Premier League, but instead he will now battle to establish himself as more than a fringe player in Mourinho's squad.