La Liga giants Real Madrid have on Thursday triggered their option to make attacker Joselu’s transfer from Espanyol permanent.
This, of course, comes ahead of Los Blancos immediately selling the 34-year-old on.
The name of veteran frontman Joselu has taken its place front and centre in the media headlines across the week to date.
As much comes after the Spanish international – currently on duty at Euro 2024 – dropped something of a bombshell, in deciding against extending his stay in Madrid for another season.
Instead, Joselu has opted for the riches of the Middle East, primed to put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Qatari outfit Al Gharafa.
It may therefore come as something of a surprise to hear that, on Thursday, Joselu’s Real Madrid switch has in fact been made a permanent one.
As per a statement across Espanyol’s website and social media platforms:
‘Real Madrid has informed RCD Espanyol that it is executing the purchase clause for Joselu Mato, included in the agreement reached a year ago between the two clubs. Therefore, Joselu is no longer a white-and-blue player.
‘RCD Espanyol wishes him luck in his new professional adventure.’
This process, however, comes as little more than an effort to ensure that Joselu’s move to Qatar can play out as smoothly as possible.
Highly appreciative of the efforts of their on-loan frontman this past season, the brass at the Santiago Bernabéu will now immediately sanction his sale, for the same €1.5 million fee for which he was signed.
Conor Laird | GSFN
