A late-season savior now in demand
Carlos Espi arrived at the brink of LaLiga relegation last season with Levante and stayed until the final match. He left with 11 goals in 25 games and a skyrocketing market value—€20 million, up from €2.5 million four months ago.
Now 20, Espi has drawn the attention of Lazio, who are in need of a new center-forward. Gennaro Gattuso made the acquisition of a striker a clear summer priority after last season’s struggles up front.
Lazio’s transfer shortlist and financial constraints
The Rome club has looked at Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti, and Fluminense’s John Kennedy, but none of those moves are currently in motion. Espi appears the closest to becoming a viable target.
The deal faces hurdles. Espi’s contract includes a €25 million release clause, and Lazio is navigating a net-zero transfer market, which limits their financial flexibility. Still, club director Angelo Fabiani could find a way to make the deal work if negotiations continue.
Bologna and Premier League clubs also in the mix
Espi is not only attracting Italian interest—Bologna and several Premier League sides have also been linked to the 20-year-old. But it’s Lazio that seems most determined, with no official talks yet but growing buzz around a potential move.
Levante, the club that made Espi a first-team starter in 2024, will likely demand a price matching his new status. Whether Lazio can afford it remains uncertain, but the Aquile are clearly plotting a move.