Real Madrid announced the signing of striker Carlos Espi from Levante on Thursday, with the 21-year-old committing to the club until June 2031. The Spanish giants paid a reported €25 million to activate the player’s release clause, a fee Levante described as the largest sale of an academy graduate in the club’s history. Espi becomes Madrid’s fifth signing of the summer, following Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.

Espi scored 11 goals in 25 La Liga appearances last season and was named the league’s best under-23 player. Over three seasons with Levante he totalled 20 goals in 66 matches and represented Spain at under-19 and under-20 level. The move addresses manager José Mourinho’s request for a centre-forward, according to Spanish media, and comes as Madrid prepare for the departure of academy product Gonzalo García.

Fulham have reached an agreement in principle with Real Madrid for García in a deal worth up to €42 million, including a 30 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights for Madrid. The Premier League side are expected to complete the transfer once medical examinations and final documents are signed. Madrid are also pursuing further reinforcements: media reports indicate they have agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande for a fee around €120 million, while Manchester City midfielder Rodri remains a rumoured target after president Florentino Pérez authorised initial negotiations. The club, who appointed José Mourinho as head coach to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, are overhauling a squad that has gone two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.