Hull City Emerge as Favorites to Sign Carlos Espi as Lazio Face Stiff Competition

FolioPitch.com – 28 July 2026 | In a dramatic turn of events in the summer transfer window, Hull City Make a Move on Spanish Striker Wanted at Lazio, potentially derailing the Serie A club’s plans to bolster their attack. The Tigers, newly promoted to the Premier League, have thrown their hat into the ring for Levante’s towering center-forward Carlos Espi, who had been a top target for Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso. Sources confirm that Hull City Make a Move on Spanish Striker Wanted at Lazio by preparing to activate the €25 million release clause in Espi’s contract, a sum that Lazio, constrained by a zero-net transfer market, may struggle to match.

Lazio’s attacking woes were evident last season, as the Biancocelesti failed to score consistently, prompting Gattuso to seek a reliable finisher. The club had been tracking several options, including Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti, AC Milan’s Santi Gimenez, and Fluminense’s John Kennedy, but Espi’s name had recently risen to the top of the list. However, with Hull City Make a Move on Spanish Striker Wanted at Lazio, the Italian side now faces a formidable rival. The English club’s financial muscle, stemming from their return to the Premier League, gives them a clear advantage in negotiations, leaving Lazio unable to compete unless they can offload players first.

Carlos Espi, a Levante youth product, was instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation last season, scoring 11 La Liga goals, including several crucial strikes in the closing stages. His physical presence and aerial ability make him an ideal candidate for the Premier League, and Hull City’s interest is no surprise. According to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, Levante is unwilling to negotiate a discount, insisting on the full release clause. This stance has already caused Bologna to drop out of the race, and now Hull City Make a Move on Spanish Striker Wanted at Lazio with a financial offer that could be too tempting for the Spanish club to refuse.

The development has significant implications for both clubs. For Lazio, losing out on Espi means they must accelerate their pursuit of alternative targets, with Roberto Piccoli and Andrea Pinamonti now likely to receive increased attention. For Hull City, securing Espi would be a statement of intent as they prepare for life in the top flight. The Tigers have been busy in the transfer market, and adding a striker with proven La Liga pedigree would strengthen their squad considerably.

As the saga unfolds, all eyes are on the negotiations. With Hull City Make a Move on Spanish Striker Wanted at Lazio, the transfer window has taken an intriguing twist. Unless Lazio can find a creative solution or a late sale to free up funds, they may have to concede defeat and search elsewhere for a goal-scoring solution. For now, the Tigers are leading the chase, and Espi’s future may soon be decided in England.