Real Madrid forward Carlos Espí could have an unusual personal connection to Valencia when the teams meet in LaLiga, having reportedly been overlooked by the Mestalla club on two separate occasions before joining the Spanish giants. According to a report by Madrid Universal on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the young striker may feature against the side that twice had an opportunity to sign him but ultimately declined to complete a deal.

Madrid are preparing for the league encounter after travelling to Greece, where they secured a Champions League victory over AEK Athens. The demanding schedule could encourage squad rotation, potentially creating an opening for Espí to earn minutes. If selected, he would face a club that once assessed his potential during his development.

His journey began at UD Alzira, where he continued his progress after leaving UE Tavernes. Valencia first had an opportunity to consider signing him in 2022, when the youth teams of the two clubs met in a friendly. Espí took part in the match, giving Valencia an opportunity to observe him, but the club reportedly decided against pursuing his signature.

His development subsequently attracted interest from Levante, prompting discussions between the clubs over a possible transfer. Alzira’s sporting director, Rafa Asensio, wanted an agreement that would guarantee the club 10 per cent of any future transfer fee involving the player. Levante initially resisted the proposed condition, leaving negotiations without an immediate resolution.

Valencia then returned as a potential destination. Espí travelled to the club’s training complex in Paterna, suggesting that another opportunity to join the Mestalla side was being considered. However, that possibility also came to nothing, with Valencia reportedly deciding not to proceed with a signing.

Levante later reopened negotiations with Alzira and agreed to include the requested future-sale clause. That decision eventually proved financially beneficial when Espí completed a move to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window. Under the arrangement, Alzira reportedly received approximately €2.5 million, representing its agreed 10 per cent share of the subsequent transfer.

The payment gave Alzira a significant financial return from the development of a player who had progressed through its ranks. It also demonstrated the importance of the condition negotiated by Asensio, particularly after Levante initially opposed including it in the agreement.

For Valencia, the story represents two missed opportunities to bring Espí into its setup. The club had chances to assess him and later reconsidered him as a possible signing, but neither opportunity resulted in an agreement. His progress to Real Madrid has since made those decisions more notable.

Espí must now concentrate on establishing himself at Madrid, where competition for places in the senior squad is considerable. A possible appearance against Valencia would give him an opportunity to demonstrate his development on a significant stage. It would also add an intriguing personal dimension to the fixture, as he could face the club that twice considered signing him before allowing him to continue his career elsewhere. His selection will depend on Madrid's needs and the manager's assessment.