Everton open talks to sign towering Levante forward Carlos Espi

Everton have held initial discussions with Spanish club Levante over a potential deal for 20-year-old forward Carlos Espi, according to reports from Spain. The 6ft 5in attacker netted 13 goals across all competitions last season for the Segunda División side, catching the eye of Premier League scouts.

Who is Carlos Espi? A raw but promising prospect

Espi began his youth career at UD Alzira before joining Levante's academy. Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, he combines physical presence with surprising mobility. Despite his height, Espi is not purely a target man; he has shown comfort dropping deep and linking play, a trait Sean Dyche values in his strikers. Last campaign's 13-goal tally included strikes in both the league and domestic cup competitions.

His potential transfer fee remains undisclosed, but given his age and the fact he plays in Spain's second tier, the deal is likely to be relatively modest — possibly in the region of £5-10m. For context, similar moves for tall, young strikers from lower leagues have seen fees around that range, such as Viktor Gyökeres' move from Coventry to Sporting for £20m (a more established player).

How Espi fits Everton's needs and Dyche's system

Everton have struggled for goals this season, often relying on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose form has been inconsistent. The addition of a powerful, aerial threat would provide a different dimension. Dyche's system frequently uses crosses from wide areas and set pieces — areas where Espi's height could be a weapon. His 6ft 5in frame makes him a natural target for corners and free-kicks, an asset for a side that has occasionally struggled to convert dead-ball opportunities.

Tactically, loaning Espi initially could be a low-risk move, allowing him to adapt to the Premier League's physicality without a major financial outlay. However, reports suggest Everton are exploring a permanent transfer. The club's financial constraints mean any signing must offer value — Espi fits that profile as a young player with resale potential.

Impact on FPL and the relegation battle

For Fantasy Premier League managers, Espi would be one to watch rather than rush into. If he signs and adapts quickly, his goal threat from headers and poaching could make him a differential option at a budget price. Everton's upcoming fixtures include matches against relegation rivals, making any goal-scoring signing potentially impactful in the run-in.

From a league perspective, Everton are locked in a survival battle. Adding a young, hungry striker could inject energy into the squad. The club have been conservative in the market, but this move signals a willingness to invest in potential.

  • Espi scored 13 goals in 2023-24 for Levante across all competitions.
  • He stands 6ft 5in, offering a unique physical profile for a 20-year-old.
  • Everton have reportedly held talks, but no agreement is reached yet.

What next? Everton's transfer strategy and Espi's decision

With the January window open, Everton must decide whether to accelerate talks or explore other targets. Espi, for his part, may see a move to the Premier League as a career-defining step. For Levante, selling a youth product for a fee would represent good business. Expect negotiations to intensify in the coming days, with a potential loan-to-buy structure. If Everton secure Espi, he would likely be used as a backup initially, with minutes off the bench to build Premier League experience.

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