# Real Madrid signs Carlos Espí, Endrick's future uncertain

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrid-signing-carlos-esp
> Updated: 2026-07-31T11:42:08.000Z. Sources: 180. Developments: 2.

Real Madrid activated a €25 million release clause to sign 21‑year‑old Levante striker Carlos Espí on a five‑year contract running to June 2031, adding a 1.94 m, aerially strong forward as requested by José Mourinho. Espí, LaLiga’s best U‑23 player last season with 11 goals in 25 matches, replaces Gonzalo García, who departed for Fulham, and is expected to bolster the attack alongside Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappé and other forwards.

Endrick returned from his Lyon loan and scored in the 2‑2 pre‑season friendly against Fiorentina on 1 August 2026, but Mourinho’s preference for a taller target‑man limits his minutes. Reports indicate Endrick may seek another loan or a permanent move, leaving his future at the club uncertain.

Levante used the €25 million fee—the highest ever for a home‑grown player—to sign Belgian forward Yanis Musuayi for a reported €2.5‑4 million, underscoring the broader impact of the transfer on both clubs.

## Claims

- Real Madrid signed Carlos Espí from Levante. (corroborated by 30 sources)
- Carlos Espí played 66 matches and scored 20 goals for Levante. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- Gonzalo García transferred from Real Madrid to Fulham for about €40 million. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Carlos Espí signed a five‑year contract with Real Madrid until 30 June 2031. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Carlos Espí was named La Liga’s best under‑23 player last season. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- The transfer is Levante’s biggest sale of a home‑grown player in its history. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Real Madrid paid €25 million to activate Carlos Espí’s release clause and sign him from Levante. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Carlos Espí is 21 years old, has played 66 senior matches for Levante and scored 20 goals. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- José Mourinho specifically requested the signing of Carlos Espí. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The contract runs for five years, until 30 June 2031. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The transfer fee was €25 million, activating the release clause (corroborated by 16 sources)
- Carlos Espí is 21 years old (corroborated by 16 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Real Madrid signs Carlos Espí, intensifying striker competition

Real Madrid paid €25 million for Carlos Espí, signing him until 2031, while his arrival threatens Endrick’s role after the Brazilian scored in a pre‑season draw with Fiorentina.

56 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-completes-signing-of-21yearold-striker-carlos-esp

### 2026-07-29: Real Madrid signs striker Carlos Espí from Levante

Real Madrid paid €25 million to trigger Carlos Espí’s release clause, signing the 21‑year‑old striker on a five‑year deal until 2031; he replaces Gonzalo García and was Levante’s biggest academy sale.

146 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yan-diomande-signs-record-120-million-deal-with-real-madrid

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Cite as: Real Madrid signs Carlos Espí, Endrick's future uncertain. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrid-signing-carlos-esp