Real Madrid have reportedly initiated contact with Levante regarding their striker, Carlos Espi. This development comes as the La Liga side is said to be seeking his €25 million release clause. The involvement of Real Madrid could complicate earlier negotiations between Levante and Premier League club Hull City, who had reportedly made significant progress in their pursuit of Espi.
This move by Real Madrid aligns with their search for a forward who can offer a profile similar to Joselu. Such a player would not necessarily be a primary star but could provide a strong presence, particularly in situations where the team struggles to break stalemates. The club has only taken initial steps in this potential transfer, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days and weeks.
Reinforcing the Attack
The potential acquisition of a striker like Espi fits into Real Madrid‘s broader transfer strategy. While there have not been many major changes to the attack recently, aside from Endrick‘s return from his loan spell with Lyon, significant alterations are expected. Reports indicate that Real Madrid are close to securing Ivorian forward Yan Diomande. Additionally, striker Gonzalo Garcia is reportedly nearing a move to Fulham.
With Gonzalo Garcia‘s potential departure, Endrick is expected to serve as a deputy to Kylian Mbappe in the striker role for the upcoming season. However, Garcia’s exit would create an opening for another player in the attacking lineup. Real Madrid appears keen to fill this void with a forward who can provide a specific type of contribution, reminiscent of Joselu‘s role.
Mourinho’s Transfer Priorities
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has outlined his priorities for the summer transfer window, focusing on strengthening the squad in key areas. His primary targets include an additional centre-back and a midfielder capable of covering ground and creating opportunities. While these positions remain the top priority, Mourinho has also indicated that he would not rule out adding an out-and-out striker, someone who can operate in the ‘9’ role as a ‘plan B’ during challenging matches.
This specialist striker role is envisioned for situations where games become tight, providing an alternative option for the team. The plan is for any new striker to take on a role similar to the one Joselu fulfilled during the 2023-2024 season. Joselu notably scored 18 goals and provided three assists, with many of these contributions coming from the bench.
One of Joselu‘s most impactful performances was in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, where he scored two goals in nine minutes. These crucial goals helped propel Real Madrid into the final and contributed to their fifteenth title in the competition. The idea of signing a backup striker would not conflict with Mourinho‘s plans for Endrick, who is also expected to be a significant part of the team next season, given his versatility to play through the middle or on the right wing.
Defensive and Midfield Adjustments
This summer has seen considerable activity in Real Madrid‘s defensive line. The club has bid farewell to two veteran players, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba. To reinforce the backline, Real Madrid has brought in three experienced players: Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, and Ibrahima Konate. These changes reflect a significant overhaul in the defensive department.
The midfield has also seen adjustments, with the arrival of Bernardo Silva and the departure of Dani Ceballos. Furthermore, Real Madrid is reportedly closely linked with Manchester City star Rodri Hernandez. His potential arrival could lead to further departures from the midfield area, indicating a dynamic period of restructuring for the club across multiple positions.
Source: goal.com
