Attacking midfielder Carlos Álvarez is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Sevilla FC and Levante UD over his immediate future. According to ESTADIO Deportivo, the Andalusian club has a defined plan to bring the academy graduate back in January 2027 when his contract with Levante expires, while the Valencia-based side is pushing to sell him now for a fee.
The 24-year-old player, developed in Sevilla's youth system, ended the 2025/26 season with 3 goals and 5 assists in 32 LaLiga Hypermotion appearances. His current deal with Levante runs until 30 June 2027 and, per the report, he has no intention of renewing it. This has led Levante to try and move him on in the summer 2026 transfer window, as the player could negotiate freely with other clubs from January. Portuguese manager Luis Castro left Álvarez out of the squad for the last match against Osasuna, a decision the coach called personal.
What is Sevilla's plan for Álvarez?
Sevilla's strategy is to wait. The club retains a 30% stake in the player's economic rights, a clause reserved when Víctor Orta transferred him to Levante for free. The plan, according to the information, does not involve a significant investment in the current August window unless the cost is very low. Álvarez's release clause is set at 25 million euros, a figure Sevilla does not intend to match.
Instead, the Sevilla board is focusing its efforts on securing his return as a free agent from 1 January 2027. They trust that the player's expressed desire to return to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, coupled with his good relationship with the club, will facilitate the operation. Meanwhile, Levante is applying pressure to force a sale this summer and obtain a transfer fee.
What did teammate Kochorashvili say about Álvarez?
At the recent presentation of Giorgi Kochorashvili as a new Sevilla player, the Georgian midfielder was asked about his former Levante teammate. Kochorashvili, who shared a dressing room with Álvarez last season, revealed the good understanding between them. "I talk a lot with Carlitos because at Levante I got on very well with him," the footballer said. "I told him that one day we would end up playing together because I enjoyed playing with him on the pitch so much."
These comments coincide with Álvarez returning to Sevilla's orbit. Kochorashvili, aged 25, was a key signing for Sevilla's midfield after a solid season in Valencia, where he played 35 league matches. His arrival strengthens a squad looking to improve its position in the table, which you can check on our standings page.
How does this affect Levante's squad?
The potential departure of Carlos Álvarez presents a sporting and financial challenge for Levante. The player has been an important attacking piece, and his exit would leave a gap in the attacking midfield role. The Valencia club, which is seeking promotion to the First Division, would have to find a replacement in the market if they finally sell him.
Levante's squad for the 2026/27 season, which you can see in detail in our squad section, faces a demanding campaign in LaLiga Hypermotion. Keeping key players like Álvarez, or securing a sale that allows them to strengthen other positions, will be decisive for the team's objectives. The club has other creative options, but losing a promising academy graduate is always a blow.
The future of Carlos Álvarez will be decided in the coming weeks. Levante wants to sell, Sevilla prefers to wait, and the player longs to return home. While this stalemate plays out, Álvarez prepares for the remainder of pre-season with uncertainty over which shirt he will wear next campaign. The outcome will have a direct impact on the line-ups of both teams in upcoming matches, which you can follow on our fixtures calendar.
