RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesReal Madrid plot move for La Liga striker with €25m release clause to replace Gonzalo Garcia
After a series of new signings, Real Madrid are on the verge of their first major sale of this summer, in the form of Gonzalo Garcia.
The young Spanish striker is poised to join Fulham in a deal worth €40 million, in which Real Madrid will continue to hold 30% of the player’s transfer rights.
It is a masterstroke from Los Blancos , selling a youth player for a fortune while retaining a major chunk of his transfer rights. But Garcia’s exit does create a hole in the squad.
Real Madrid plot move for Carlos Espi
In order to fill that gap, Real Madrid are now seriously considering a move for Levante forward Carlos Espi, reports AS .
Espi has made quite the impact at Levante. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Aged only 21, Espi proved his credentials at the highest level of football last season, when he scored 11 goals in just 25 matches in La Liga for Levante.
His productivity played a key role in helping Levante escape relegation. His performances did not unnoticed either, with Real Madrid now considering him as a potential replacement for Garcia.
This comes on the back of earlier reports which suggests Los Blancos are looking for a striker profile similar to Joselu , in an attempt to replace Garcia.
Espi fits the bill well as he is known for his poaching abilities inside the box, making him an effective alternative to someone like Kylian Mbappe.
How much will Espi cost?
All eyes on Espi’s future. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The report suggests Espi has a release clause of €25 million and one would expect Levante to demand the same figure, given the way Espi has performed in La Liga.
The report adds that Espi was close to joining Hull City this summer. But the move stalled as soon as Espi heard rumours of Real Madrid’s interest.
Clearly, the young forward is keen on the idea of joining Real Madrid, even though he will have to play a second-fiddle role to Mbappe.
Not to mention, the striker must also compete with Endrick, who is coming on the back of a stellar loan spell at Olympique Lyon and could be the preferred option in case Mbappe gets injured.
Espi, in that regard, will only be a tactical alternative – someone who can provide a different skillset to technically gifted players such as Endrick or Mbappe.
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