- Leeds United targeted Spanish forward Carlos Espí before Real Madrid triggered his €25m release clause from Levante.
- Chelsea striker Liam Delap was identified as another primary attacking target for manager Daniel Farke.
- Nottingham Forest stepped up negotiations to secure an initial loan deal for Liam Delap, putting Premier League rivals ahead in the race.
- Elland Road hierarchy continues searching for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Joel Piroe to West Ham United.
- RB Leipzig forward Conrad Harder has emerged as an alternative target as Leeds United conduct advanced negotiations before the transfer deadline.
West Yorkshire (The Leeds Times) August 27, 2026 –As reported by Jake Davies of Inside Futbol, Leeds United missed out on securing Levante forward Carlos Espí after European giants Real Madrid activated the player’s €25m release clause via a formal letter to the Spanish outfit. As stated by Fabrizio Romano on X, “€25m release clause activated from Levante with formal letter sent to the club tonight. Spanish striker joins immediately with medical in Madrid today.” As confirmed by Real Madrid’s official media statement, “Real Madrid CF and Levante UD have agreed to the transfer of player Carlos Espí, who will be linked to our club for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2031.”
Following the loss of Carlos Espí to Real Madrid, manager Daniel Farke shifted focus toward strengthening his forward line before the summer transfer deadline.
Leeds United entered the race alongside domestic rivals to secure Chelsea forward Liam Delap. However, as reported by The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest stepped up direct negotiations with Chelsea over an initial loan move for the 23-year-old forward, putting the West Midlands club on the verge of completing a sensational deal.
As reported by talkSPORT, discussions between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea advanced rapidly, placing Leeds United at risk of missing out on a second major attacking target in quick succession.
How did Premier League competition disrupt Leeds United’s squad plans?
As reported by GiveMeSport, Leeds United initially joined Nottingham Forest and Everton in tracking Liam Delap following Joel Piroe’s transfer to West Ham United. As detailed by GiveMeSport sources, Chelsea set an initial valuation of £50 million on the striker, though interested parties believed a agreement near £40 million or a structured loan could be achieved.
As stated by Daniel Farke during his press conference following the Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest,
“There was never a transfer window when I got all my wishes and all the plans that I wanted! But I’m carefully optimistic that we’ll have a good ending to the window.”
Farke added,
“It’s important that we also add a bit more because I wouldn’t say that the group is too big at all at the moment.”
Which alternative forward options are Leeds United currently pursuing?
As reported by Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, Leeds United pivoted their recruitment focus to RB Leipzig forward Conrad Harder to bolster their frontline depth. As detailed by Sport Witness, Leeds United entered advanced negotiations with the Bundesliga club over a potential loan deal with an option to buy, ahead of competing interest from Serie A side Lazio and Turkish club Galatasaray.
As reported by Kieran Horn of Leeds Live, Leeds United also monitored Olympique de Marseille forward Igor Paixão, alongside Premier League rivals Sunderland.
As noted by Connor O’Neill of Leeds Live, Marseille required player sales to balance their financial situation, though Sunderland submitted formal terms to challenge Leeds United for the player’s signature.
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Background of the particular development
The recruitment drive at Elland Road follows a summer of significant structural squad realignment under Daniel Farke. Leeds United previously brought in several major additions during the window, securing goalkeeper James Trafford, defender Tarik Muharemovic, central defender Nico Elvedi, and winger Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham. Up front, the club added Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer to lead the attack alongside Lukas Nmecha.
However, squad depth in the central forward position was reduced following the departure of Joel Piroe to West Ham United and the permanent exit of Joe Gelhardt. Consequently, the club prioritised acquiring a dynamic, young forward capable of competing directly with Calvert-Lewin throughout a grueling Premier League campaign.
The combination of Real Madrid’s swift clause activation for Carlos Espí and Nottingham Forest’s aggressive movement for Liam Delap left the West Yorkshire side exploring late-window market opportunities like Conrad Harder before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Prediction: How this development can affect Leeds United and their supporters
This development directly affects Leeds United, manager Daniel Farke, and the club’s fanbase by tightening time constraints in the final days of the transfer window.
Missing out on primary targets like Carlos Espí and Liam Delap to European titans and direct Premier League rivals leaves the squad reliant on Dominic Calvert-Lewin staying fully fit, alongside Lukas Nmecha.
If Leeds United successfully conclude negotiations for RB Leipzig’s Conrad Harder or complete a late swoop before the deadline, it will provide much-needed attacking tactical flexibility and depth. Conversely, if negotiations falter and no additional striker arrives, the forward line may lack sufficient rotation options during key periods of the season, putting added pressure on the existing squad to deliver sustained Premier League performances.
