Real Madrid had exercised their purchase option on Joselu.
Real Madrid have allowed their key forward to leave ahead of the new season. Qatari side Al Gharafa have completed the signing of Joselu from Los Blancos.
🛫 From Madrid to Al Gharafa 💛
Officially… @JoseluMato9 , the Spanish international, joins Cheetahs 🐆 pic.twitter.com/acmd97t9g5
— AL GHARAFA SC | نادي الغرافة (@ALGHARAFACLUB) June 28, 2024
Espanyol released a statement confirming that Real Madrid had exercised their purchase option on Joselu. He spent last season on loan with the European winners.
The Spanish forward was in great form for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 season, scoring 17 times and providing three assists in 49 appearances in all competitions.
Los Blancos were expected to keep hold of the 34-year-old next season. However, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick pushed Real Madrid to allow Joselu to leave.
Real Madrid have allegedly sold Joselu for the same €1.5m (£1.3m) that they paid Espanyol to secure his signature on a permanent basis.
A statement from Real Madrid read, “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.”
The Spanish forward has penned a two-year contract with Al Gharafa, while there is the option to extend for a further 12 months. The Qatari side said in a statement of their own, “The management of our club extends thanks and appreciation to Real Madrid for its great co-operation.”
Joselu scored 17 times for Espanyol during the 2023-24 season after arriving from Alaves. He scored 17 goals for Real Madrid upon his return to the club.
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