Real Madrid forward completes surprise switch after impressive campaign

Qatari side Al Gharafa have completed the signing of Spanish forward Joselu from Real Madrid.

Last week, Espanyol released a statement confirming that Real Madrid had exercised their purchase option on Joselu, who spent last season on loan with Carlo Ancelotti's side.

The forward was in strong form for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 17 times and registering three assists in 49 appearances in all competitions.

Real Madrid were expected to keep hold of the 34-year-old next season, but he would likely struggle for action during the 2024-25 campaign due to the imminent arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.

The La Liga and Champions League holders have allegedly sold Joselu for the same €1.5m (£1.3m) that they paid Espanyol to secure his signature on a permanent basis.

🛫 مـن مـدريد إلـى الغـرافـة 💛

🚨 رسـمياً .. خـوسيلـو , الـدولي الاسبانـي يـنضـم إلـى الـفهـود 🐆@JoseluMato9 pic.twitter.com/TFvPwZYd9H

— AL GHARAFA SC | نادي الغرافة (@ALGHARAFACLUB) June 28, 2024

Al Gharafa confirm deal for Joselu

"After exercising its option to acquire the rights of the player Joselu Mato from Espanyol, Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Al Gharafa SC for the transfer of our player," a statement from Real Madrid read.

Joselu has penned a two-year contract with Al Gharafa, while there is the option to extend for a further 12 months, and it is believed to be the biggest deal of his career in terms of salary.

"The management of our club extends thanks and appreciation to Real Madrid for its great co-operation," Al Gharafa said in a statement of their own.

Joselu scored 17 times for Espanyol during the 2023-24 campaign after arriving from Alaves, and he then managed 17 goals for Real Madrid upon his return to the club.

© Reuters

Why have Real Madrid allowed Joselu to leave?

The forward proved to be an incredibly important squad player for Real Madrid last season, scoring 10 goals and registering two assists in 34 appearances in Spain's top flight.

Joselu also netted five times in 11 Champions League appearances, including a brace against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semi-final at Bernabeu at the start of May.

However, Mbappe and Endrick are both arriving to boost Real Madrid's attack next season, and with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior also in the mix, it is difficult to imagine Joselu receiving much action.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are expected to add Leny Yoro to their squad this summer, with the Spanish giants believed to have beaten Manchester United and Liverpool to the Lille centre-back.

Los Blancos are also thought to be considering bringing in a new midfielder to compensate for Toni Kroos's retirement, although it is more likely that Jude Bellingham will drop back into the middle from the number 10 position.