Real Madrid Eyes Surprise Striker in Transfer Market

While Real Madrid are closing in on the highly anticipated signing of Yan Diomandé from RB Leipzig, the Spanish giants are quietly working on another attacking reinforcement. Carlos Espi, one of the breakout stars of last season in Spanish football, has reportedly decided to put his move to the Premier League on hold after learning of Real Madrid’s interest.

With Gonzalo García on the verge of completing a transfer to Fulham in a deal expected to bring around €40 million to the Santiago Bernabéu, José Mourinho and the club’s sporting department are searching for another promising striker capable of strengthening the squad’s attacking depth. Their attention has now turned to Carlos Espi, the 21-year-old Levante forward who enjoyed a sensational second half of the campaign.

Espi emerged as one of the biggest revelations in Spanish football after scoring 13 goals in 28 appearances during the second half of last season. His impressive form nearly earned him a place in Spain’s squad for the FIFA World Cup, further increasing his reputation across Europe. As a result, several clubs quickly entered the race for his signature during the summer transfer window.

Premier League sides Aston Villa and Ipswich Town were among the first clubs linked with the talented striker, while Hull City appeared to have made the strongest progress in negotiations. Reports suggested that the English club was confident of completing the transfer, especially given Levante’s willingness to negotiate around the player’s €25 million release clause.

However, the situation has changed dramatically.

According to reports from the Spanish press, Real Madrid have entered the race for Espi and have already opened discussions over a potential move. The possibility of wearing the famous white shirt has reportedly convinced the striker to delay his move to England and carefully consider his future before making a final decision.

The Madrid hierarchy reportedly see Espi as the ideal profile to provide competition and depth in Mourinho’s attacking options. Internally, the club believes his playing style resembles that of former Real Madrid striker Joselu, who proved to be an invaluable squad player with his physical presence and ability to score decisive goals.

Standing at 1.94 metres, Espi possesses the aerial strength, hold-up play and penalty-box instincts that Real Madrid feel are currently missing from their squad. Mourinho is believed to appreciate the striker’s willingness to work defensively, his intelligent movement, and his ability to impact matches from the bench or as a rotation option throughout a demanding season.

Despite Madrid’s growing interest, the race is far from over.

Spanish outlet Onda Cero reports that Villarreal remain serious contenders for Espi’s signature. The Yellow Submarine are said to admire the striker and are exploring creative ways to reach an agreement with Levante. One option being considered is the inclusion of one or more players as part of the deal in order to reduce the overall transfer fee, although Levante continue to insist on receiving the full €25 million release clause.

🚨💣 BREAKING: Real Madrid sign Carlos Espí as new striker, here we go! 💥

€25m release clause activated from Levante with formal letter sent to the club tonight.

Spanish striker joins immediately with medical in Madrid today. pic.twitter.com/hpyLcP9Y7Z

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2026

For now, Carlos Espi appears willing to wait before making a decision. A move to the Premier League remains an attractive possibility, but the opportunity to join Real Madrid—a club that offers the chance to compete for major trophies and develop under José Mourinho—could prove impossible to ignore.

With Yan Diomandé‘s arrival also nearing completion, Real Madrid continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season. If Espi ultimately chooses the Bernabéu over England, the Spanish champions could secure another of La Liga’s brightest young talents while adding a striker capable of becoming their new version of Joselu.