Real Madrid Sign Joselu on Season-Long Loan
Real Madrid have signed Spanish international striker Joselu on a season-long loan from Espanyol, with an option to buy at the end of the season. The 33-year-old was La Liga’s third-highest scorer last season, with 16 goals, despite his side being relegated.
Joselu’s signing follows the departure of Real striker Karim Benzema who joined Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad. Real are looking to fill the void left by the Ballon d’Or-winning French forward, who was their second-highest scorer of all time. Tottenham and England captain Harry Kane has been linked with a move to Madrid as the preferred replacement for Benzema.
Background of Joselu
Joselu returns to the Spanish capital, having previously joined Real’s youth academy in 2010. He made his debut for the first team in 2011, scoring three minutes after coming off the bench against Almería. Since leaving Real in 2012, the Spanish striker has played in both the Bundesliga and Premier League. He scored 10 goals in the English top flight across stints with Stoke City and Newcastle United, before returning to Spain in 2019 with Alaves.
Joselu joined Espanyol before the 2022-23 season and finished the campaign behind only Robert Lewandowski and Benzema in the La Liga scoring charts, before making his international debut in March.
International Career
Joselu has been a regular in the Spanish national team since making his debut in March 2021. He scored two goals in Spain’s successful Nations League campaign, including a crucial equalizer against Germany in the semi-finals. He has also featured in friendlies against Portugal and Switzerland.
Joselu’s Future at Real Madrid
Real Madrid have signed Joselu on a season-long loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. The Spanish striker is expected to provide competition for current forwards Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard. With his experience in La Liga and at international level, Joselu could be a key player for Real Madrid this season.