Joselu ends Madrid stay in favour of Saudi Arabia move
Real Madrid striker Joselu Mato is set to join Qatari side Al Gharafa this summer after a successful loan spell with Los Blancos, culminating in winning the Champions League last season.
Despite reports suggesting that Real Madrid were keen to make Joselu’s loan from Espanyol permanent, the Spanish striker has opted for a move to Qatar.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Joselu’s deal with Al Gharafa is already agreed upon and being finalized. This decision comes despite Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s interest in keeping the Spain international at the club.
Joselu will transition directly from Espanyol to Al Gharafa, a club that has previously hosted football legends such as Marcel Desailly, Juninho Pernambucano, and Wesley Sneijder.
Joselu’s time with Real Madrid was nothing short of a fairytale. The 34-year-old, born in Stuttgart, fulfilled his dream of playing for the club he supported as a boy.
Initially brought in as a stop-gap option to replace Karim Benzema, Joselu became a cult hero at the Santiago Bernabeu. He scored 17 goals and provided three assists, including a crucial brace against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinal.
His contributions helped Real Madrid secure both the UEFA Champions League title and the LaLiga crown. Joselu’s departure marks the end of a memorable chapter with Los Blancos as he embarks on a new adventure in Qatar.
