Real Madrid signs young striker Carlos Espí from Levante

The Royal Club stated in a press release that Espi, who was named the best player under 23 in the Spanish league last season, signed a five-year contract running until 2031.

According to Spanish media, the player was close to moving to English club Brighton, before the “Merengues” secured the deal after learning of a buyout clause in his contract valued at 25 million euros.

Levante did not confirm the transfer fee, but clarified in its statement that it represents the club’s largest sale of a player who came through its academy.

Espi is Real Madrid’s fifth signing during the current summer transfer window, following the acquisitions of Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, Spanish full-back Marc Cucurella, French defender Ibrahima Konate, Dutch midfielder Denzel Dumfries, as well as the appointment of Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.