Real Madrid continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season. On Thursday, the Spanish giants officially announced the signing of striker Carlos Espí, who arrives from Levante after both clubs reached an agreement.

In an official statement, Real Madrid confirmed that the Spanish forward has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2031.

At just 21 years old, Carlos Espí arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu after establishing himself as one of the brightest young prospects in Spanish football. During his time with Levante, he made 66 official appearances, scored 20 goals, and was named the league's Best Under-23 Player last season.

What Can Carlos Espí Bring to Real Madrid?

Despite his young age, Carlos Espí offers a profile that is currently rare within the Real Madrid squad.

He is a traditional center forward with a strong physical presence, the ability to play with his back to goal, and an excellent instinct for attacking the penalty area. He also stands out for his aerial ability and his knack for finding space inside the box, qualities that could make him an effective solution when matches become tight and difficult to break open.

He is not expected to compete for a starting role immediately, but he does provide José Mourinho with another attacking option, particularly in matches where the team needs a striker capable of occupying central defenders and serving as a target for crosses into the area.

A Profile Similar to What Joselu Provided

One of the most interesting aspects of his arrival is the type of striker he represents.

In recent seasons, Real Madrid found an extremely valuable weapon in Joselu, whose presence inside the penalty area often changed the course of difficult matches. His memorable performance against Bayern Munich in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League semifinals, when he scored twice in a matter of minutes to send Real Madrid to the final, remains one of the best examples of the impact a striker with those characteristics can have.

Without comparing their careers, Carlos Espí offers a similar profile: a penalty-box striker who excels in the air, possesses strong finishing instincts, and provides a different attacking solution when a more direct style of play is required.

More Options for Mourinho

The arrival of Carlos Espí does not alter Real Madrid's plans for Endrick, who is expected to remain an important part of José Mourinho's project thanks to his ability to play both as a center forward and on the right wing.

Instead, the signing of the Spanish striker expands the Portuguese manager's tactical options by adding a different attacking profile to the squad.

With the transfer window still open, Real Madrid continues shaping its roster to compete for every major trophy. While the club remains active in other areas of the market, Carlos Espí officially becomes another investment in both the present and the future of the Spanish giants.

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