According to Romano, Brighton were ready to pay the release clause for Carlos Espi and were negotiating with the player’s representatives to bring the Levante striker to England. Brighton were seeking a replacement for Danny Welbeck, who is set to join Chelsea. Romano stated that Real Madrid intervened in a transfer that appeared likely to be to the Premier League.

Several clubs across Europe were interested in Espí, including Brighton & Hove Albion. However, Los Blancos acted regarding the forward's future within a few hours. The forward paused all other negotiations to prioritize Real Madrid.

Levante has halted an advanced agreement with Brighton for Carlos Espí, a 21-year-old Spanish centre-forward, after Real Madrid showed interest in the player at the last moment. Espí has been capped twice for Spain's U20 team and scored 11 goals in 25 LaLiga appearances last season. His contract with Levante is valid until 2028, and his current Transfermarkt market value is €20.00m. It was reported in July 2026 that he has a €25 million release clause, with two offers from England and Italy said to be close to that figure.