Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Joselu on loan from Espanyol for the 2023-24 season.
The 33-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign on an individual level, scoring 16 goals in 33 La Liga matches despite Espanyol finishing 19th and suffering relegation to the Segunda Division.
That form has seen Real Madrid opt to bring him back to the Bernabeu, after he previously joined their Castilla side in 2010 at the age of 20.
Joselu spent two years on the books at Madrid, but only made two first-team appearances in that time, scoring in both of those matches - one apiece in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
The forward will now join Real on loan for a reported fee of €500,000 (£426,000), with an option to make the deal permanent next summer for €1.5m (£1.3m).
🤍 #JoseluIsBack 🤍 pic.twitter.com/ZieiITdRS2
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 19, 2023
Joselu, who will be presented as a new Real Madrid player on Tuesday, was part of the Spain squad that claimed the UEFA Nations League trophy with a penalty shootout victory over Croatia on Sunday night.
Real Madrid have already been busy in the early stages of the summer transfer window, bringing in Jude Bellingham and Fran Garcia in addition to the return of Brahim Diaz from AC Milan.
Los Blancos have also let Karim Benzema leave for the Saudi Pro League, while Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz will depart at the end of their contracts.
Since leaving Real Madrid for the first time in 2012, Joselu has spent time in the Bundesliga, Premier League and La Liga, playing for eight different clubs including Stoke City, Newcastle United and Alaves.
The Spain international could make his second debut for the club when they get their pre-season tour underway in the United States next month.
Barney Corkhill
