Levante UD are exploring the option of signing Congolese international striker Cédric Bakambu in the final week of the transfer window. According to a report from Cadena Ser published by Superdeporte, the Granota club are studying the veteran forward, who is 35 and currently a free agent, after his talks with Brazil's Internacional broke down.
The Valencian club faces the market's final stretch with clear budgetary and FPF limits. Their start to the La Liga season has been difficult, sitting 17th with just one point from two games, having scored no goals and conceded three. This Saturday, August 29th, they host Real Betis, who are second in the table, in a match where their attacking need is evident.
Why is Levante looking at Cédric Bakambu?
Levante's sporting direction initially intended to sign a younger, more area-oriented striker, similar to Carlos Espí, to complement Iván Romero or Etta Eyong. However, the availability of Bakambu, a player with extensive experience in Europe's top leagues, has made them reconsider. The forward is fast, a specialist at finding space, and relatively effective in front of goal.
His career is extensive. Bakambu rose to prominence at Villarreal, the club he left for China in a deal worth around 40 million euros. He has since played for clubs in France, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. Last season he played for Real Betis, scoring four goals in 36 appearances across all competitions, a drop from the ten goals of the previous campaign. He also played in the 2026 World Cup for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How would Bakambu fit into the current team?
The absence through injury of Carlos Espí has been noticeable in the early stages of the league. The team failed to score against Espanyol and Osasuna, creating a worrying goal drought. Adding a striker with Bakambu's experience could provide a different attacking resource. His arrival would be an opportunistic market move, given his free agent status, which would ease financial restrictions.
With Iván Romero and Etta Eyong as the current options, Bakambu would bring veteran know-how and a deep knowledge of La Liga. His ability to press high and move between lines could give a new dimension to the Granota attack. Fans can check the current options in the squad on our squad page.
What does this move mean for Levante's market strategy?
The potential arrival of Bakambu represents a shift in the offensive reinforcement strategy. The club was looking for a specific profile, but the opportunity to sign a player of his calibre without a transfer fee is attractive. It remains to be seen if the parties reach an agreement in the coming days, with the market deadline looming.
The competitive context is demanding. Levante start five points behind leaders Sevilla and need to find effectiveness quickly. The next match against Betis, the club where Bakambu played last season, is an immediate challenge. Supporters can follow the evolution of the league table in our standings section. The team needs points and, above all, goals to move away from the lower reaches of the table.
