Why Barcelona Passed on Levante Star Carlos Espi Before Real Madrid Move

Barcelona’s search for a replacement centre-forward after Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire has already placed fresh scrutiny on a summer decision involving Espi, the Levante striker who instead joined Madrid and has made an immediate impact.

Barcelona passed on Levante forward

Espi, 21, had emerged as one of Spain’s leading young attacking prospects after scoring 13 goals in all competitions for Levante before the transfer window. Barcelona were made aware that the forward was available before he completed his move to their long-standing rivals in the capital.

• Levante’s asking price for Espi was €25 million.
• Barcelona were unconvinced by the fee for a player they expected to use mainly from the bench.
• The club also believed it could not offer him the consistent playing time required for his development, with Raphinha becoming increasingly important in the side.
• Madrid subsequently moved for Espi and completed the deal.

The Catalan club’s reluctance to commit a substantial portion of their budget to a rotation forward proved decisive, allowing Madrid to add the Spanish attacker to their squad.

Lewandowski exit shaped the striker search

Barcelona entered the market needing a new number nine following Lewandowski’s departure for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire. Their preferred solution was Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, but Atlético would not entertain a sale, even after an offer worth more than €100 million.

With that pursuit closed, Barcelona considered a smaller group of alternatives:

• Eli Junior Kroupi
• Espi
• Gabriel Jesus, who had fallen out of favour at Arsenal

Barcelona ultimately chose the lower-cost route, agreeing a €10 million deal for Jesus. That signing ended their interest in Espi, despite his domestic record and the fact he had been offered to the club before Madrid acted.

Espi makes early case at Madrid

Espi has not yet become an automatic selection at the Santiago Bernabéu, but he has produced when called upon. The forward has scored twice in his early appearances for Madrid, giving the club an encouraging return on its summer recruitment.

His most significant intervention came last Tuesday against Elche. Espi struck a late winner in a 3-2 victory, delivering one of the early standout moments of his Madrid career and adding to the questions around Barcelona’s decision not to pursue him.