Real Madrid moved in total secrecy to secure the signing of Carlos Espi from Levante after agreeing an exit for Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham.
It came as quite a surprise to everyone, as there was absolutely no news about the deal until the Spaniard was unveiled as a new striker for Los Blancos.
Now, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid went to extraordinary lengths to keep the signing of Espi under wraps, with everyone involved in the €25 million operation instructed not to reveal what was happening.
Madrid demanded “extreme discretion” while working on the deal for the 21-year-old Levante striker.
The secrecy was so strict that Espi’s father, Juanjo, was unable to tell even close members of his own family about his son’s impending move.
Real Madrid wanted Espi deal kept completely secret
Espi’s father later admitted that keeping such significant news hidden had been extremely difficult.
He could not discuss the transfer with his mother, his brother or practically anyone else before Madrid finally announced the deal on 30 July.
That explains why there was remarkably little reporting around Espi despite Madrid preparing to pay his €25 million release clause.
Real Madrid signed Carlos Espi for €25 million (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The Spanish striker had attracted interest elsewhere after an impressive breakthrough campaign with Levante.
Brighton were among the clubs seriously considering a move, while teams from Germany and Italy had also been monitoring him.
However, Madrid’s arrival effectively settled the matter from the player’s perspective. Jose Mourinho played a key role in making it happen.
The Portuguese coach personally contacted Espi and explained the role he could have in his squad, with Madrid specifically looking to add a more traditional centre-forward.
Why Madrid moved for Espi
At 6ft 4in, Espi offers a profile Madrid otherwise lack in attack.
His physical presence and threat from set pieces became particularly important for Levante last season, when he scored 11 goals after Luis Castro’s arrival and helped the club avoid relegation.
His emergence was significant enough for Espi to enter consideration for Spain’s preliminary World Cup squad, although he ultimately missed out on the final selection.
Real Madrid kept the Carlos Espi deal total secret. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The €25 million transfer made Espi the most expensive academy product Levante have ever sold. Only Jefferson Lerma has left the club for a larger overall fee.
Espi understands his role
Espi understands that immediate opportunities may be limited. Kylian Mbappe remains Madrid’s attacking reference, while Endrick is also expected to stay until at least January.
His task will therefore be to offer Mourinho something different rather than immediately compete to become the first-choice striker.
The early signs have nevertheless been encouraging. Espi scored his first unofficial Madrid goal shortly after arriving, finding the net in the 2-1 pre-season victory over Ferencvaros.
There are certain game states where Madrid and Mourinho will undoubtedly need him, and if he can step up in such situations, more minutes are bound to come.
More importantly, for such a young striker, simply having the chance to share the dressing room with Kylian Mbappe could be career-changing.
Espi will hope to be a sponge and absorb as much as he can from Jose, Mbappe and the rest of the Madrid superstars.