Lazio bid €6M loan for Levante's Carlos Espí, but club demands permanent sale

Levante has rejected Lazio's initial offer for striker Carlos Espí. According to La Repubblica, the Biancocelesti submitted a €6 million loan proposal with a mandatory €15 million purchase clause if the Italian club qualifies for European competition. However, Levante insists on a permanent sale and seeks a higher fee, backed by Espí's €25 million release clause.

What happened with Lazio's offer?

Lazio, managed by Gennaro Gattuso, is looking to strengthen its attack and has targeted Espí, one of Levante's brightest young talents. The initial offer included a loan with a conditional buyout option, but Levante is unwilling to part with its promising forward without permanent guarantees. The Spanish club had previously rejected a €15 million plus €3 million bonus offer from Bologna, showing its resolve in the transfer market.

Why it matters for Levante

Levante, which finished the 2025 season in 16th place in La Liga with 42 points (11 wins, 9 draws, 18 losses), aims to retain its key players to improve performance. Espí, with his potential, is crucial to the team's project. Levante's last defeat was 2-1 against Real Betis on May 23, 2026, but the team ended the season on a strong note, winning three of its last five matches (LWWWL).

What comes next in negotiations?

While Lazio remains interested in Espí, it will need to improve its offer to convince Levante. The Spanish club is unwilling to lower its price, especially with the release clause as leverage. If Lazio does not increase its proposal, it may explore other options in the market, but Espí remains a top priority for the Italian team.