Real Madridhave completed the loan signing of veteran Spanish strikerJoselu, a week afterKarim Benzema’s equally surprising departure.
Formerly a youngster in theReal MadridB team who played just twice for the senior side over a decade ago under Jose Mourinho, the Stuttgart-born 33-year-old has since gone on to play for the likes of Hoffenheim and Alaves, while also spєɴԀing three years in England.
Joselu signed for Stoke City in 2015 but played just one season there before a loan back in Spain, thereafter signing for Newcastle in 2017 and spєɴԀing two seasons in the north east. A return to Spain saw him show his most consistent form as he approached 30 years of age, however, with three seasons at Alaves returning a double-figures goal tally each season.
That all led to a career-best season last year after signing forEspanyol.Joselufinished asLaLiga’s third-highest goalscorer with 16 to his name, culminating in winning four caps for the Spanish national team – scoring three times – including an appearance in Sunday’sUefa Nations League shootout triumph over Croatiawhere he netted his nation’s first penalty.
Despite his efforts in front of goal,Espanyolwere relegated from the top flight – butJoseluwill be staying put, after now sealing a season-long loan to the Santiago Bernabeu club, who finished second.
Real also have a ɾєρօɾτed option to buy him at the єɴԀ of the season, with Joselu’s contract atEspanyolrunning until 2025.
Los Blancos had been linked with a move for PSG starKylian Mbappe, who has informed his club he will not sign a contract extension.
But Real club president Florentino Perezwasrecorded signing autographs for supporters over the weekєɴԀ when one asked about Joselu’s arrival and any more potential signings, with Perez suggesting there would be no further incomings across the summer.
That follows the big-money signing ofJude Bellinghamlast week, bolstering Real’s midfield for the immediate- and long-term.
In related news, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to take over as Brazil’s national team manager when his contract expires next month, with multiple ɾєρօɾτs claiming he’ll sign a contract to do so once he enters the final six months of hisReal MadridԀєɑł, per Fifa rules.
