Levante UD has announced that six academy prospects will train with the first team during preseason, aiming to find the next Kareem Tunde. The club sits 16th in La Liga with 42 points (11W‑9D‑18L) and a recent run of LLWWW after losing the last two matches.
Who are the youngsters called up?
Luis Castro has summoned six players to try to win his approval over the summer. The only official signing so far is Enzo Bardeli, while Alberto Calatrava, captain of Atlético Levante, extended his deal until 2028 after scoring four goals and providing an assist for the reserve side. Other names include Nacho Pérez, a right‑back who made his La Liga debut in the recent derby against Valencia CF.
Why is the new Kareem Tunde being mentioned?
Kareem Tunde’s rise from the B‑team to a regular starter in December, now with 21 league appearances, serves as a template. His contract was prolonged until 2029 after impressing Álvaro Del Moral and Vicente Iborra. Castro hopes to repeat that trajectory, giving the youngsters a chance to shine when the senior squad faces injuries or rotation.
What does this mean for the club’s future?
With 47 goals scored and 61 conceded, Levante carries a -14 goal difference and trails the leaders Barcelona by 52 points. The pressure to climb the table is high, and promoting internal talent could ease the financial strain. If any of the six break through, the club may cut its reliance on external signings and strengthen its Granota identity.
What comes next?
General training began yesterday, and the youngsters will share sessions with the full squad. Castro will assess their performances in the friendlies scheduled before the official season kickoff. The aim is for at least one to earn league minutes, following Tunde’s path and helping improve the team’s current standing.
Levante Hub