Jefferson Lerma and Carlos Espí are the most expensive players ever sold by Levante UD. The Granota club, currently 11th in La Liga with 5 points from four games, has largely built its economy on the sale of talent.
According to a report from mundolevanteud.com, Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma, signed from Atlético Huila, remains the record sale. He was transferred to AFC Bournemouth in 2018 for 30.5 million euros. "El centrocampista colombiano sigue en el número 1 como venta más cara del Levante UD," the publication notes. The second highest-grossing operation took place this very summer, when Real Madrid paid the 25 million euro release clause for Valencian forward Carlos Espí.
Who completes the top sales list?
Behind Lerma and Espí, the historical list includes names who left a significant mark at the Ciutat de València. Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas was sold to Real Madrid for 10 million euros after being considered the best keeper in LaLiga and the 2014 World Cup. Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Boateng, remembered for his hat-trick against FC Barcelona in an epic 5-4 match, moved to Dalian Yifang for 11 million also in 2018.
Other significant sales exceeded 5 million. Full-back Marc Pubill, a youth product of the club, ultimately brought in 7.75 million after his time at Almería and subsequent transfer to Atlético de Madrid. Winger Jorge de Frutos moved to Rayo Vallecano for 8 million, with Levante retaining 50% of his economic rights. Uruguayan defender Erick Cabaco was sold to Getafe for 8 million plus sporting rights.
How does Levante's economic model work?
Levante UD has traditionally operated as a selling club. This strategy is reflected in deals where percentages of future sales and variables are negotiated. In the sale of Andrés García to Aston Villa for 7 million, for instance, the club included 2.3 million in easily attainable add-ons and retained a 15% stake in any future transfer. A similar structure was used for Jorge de Frutos, of whom the Granota club still owns half of his rights.
This model allows for constant reinvestment in the youth academy and low-cost signings. Income from sales helps maintain the club's structure in the top flight. You can check the squad list, filled with youth products and players with potential, on our squad page.
What is the team's current context?
Levante is tackling the season with an even goal difference of 5 scored and 5 conceded. They are 7 points behind leaders Barcelona, the team they will face next at home on September 13. This match, which you can find on the fixtures calendar, will test a team seeking stability after a league start with one win, two draws, and one loss.
The sale of Carlos Espí, who scored 11 goals last campaign under manager Luís Castro, is the latest major income of this cycle. The forward from Tavernes de la Valldigna thus joins a list of successful academy graduates. Other notable recent sales include Pepelu's move to Valencia CF for 5.09 million paid in three installments, and Moses Simon's transfer for 5 million. Valencian full-back Andrés García, another youth system product, was the last major outgoing operation before Espí's, completing a business model that remains active. Levante UD's next fixture is at home against FC Barcelona on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
