Carlos Espi reveals Premier League snub in favour of Madrid switch

The 21-year-old impressed in La Liga in his breakout 2025/26 season with Levante before being snapped up by Los Blancos in the summer for a reported £21 million.

He has made 11 appearances for Madrid, scoring three goals since joining the Spanish giants and he has now admitted interest in his services prior to his current move, with Leeds United, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton all linked.

"There were options to go to the Premier League, but when Real Madrid comes along, I couldn't turn it down," said Espi in an interview with El Larguero, on Cadena SER.

"Everything that has happened to me is incredible. Nobody really expected it, including my entire family.

"To me, every minute I spend on the pitch for Real Madrid is golden. Every opportunity to play is a golden opportunity. Of course I’d like to play more, every player does, but I just focus on taking full advantage of every opportunity the coach gives me to play."

The young forward has been called up to Spain's Under-21 squad the upcoming international friendlies against Japan and Albania this month and has praised club coach Jose Mourinho for pushing him.

"Jose Mourinho is incredible. He's very close to us, very demanding, and that's a very good thing," added the Spaniard.

"It's great to have him so close to me, telling me what I did well and what I did badly, I'm very happy with José."