Real Madrid Secures Permanent Deal for Striker Joselu
Real Madrid has confirmed the permanent signing of striker José Luis Mato Sanmartín, commonly known as Joselu, from Segunda División club Espanyol. The deal, valued at £1.3 million, follows a successful season-long loan spell in which Joselu impressed both fans and management alike.
Joselu’s Journey Back to the Bernabéu
Joselu, born on March 27, 1990, in West Germany, began his professional career with Celta de Vigo. He first joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, where he showcased his goal-scoring prowess for their B-team, netting an impressive 40 goals in 72 appearances. However, he struggled to break into the senior team and subsequently moved to Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim in 2012.
Over the years, Joselu’s career took him across multiple top-tier leagues, including stints at Eintracht Frankfurt, Hannover 96, Stoke City, Newcastle United, and Alavés. In 2022, he joined Espanyol, where he continued to demonstrate his scoring abilities.
A Stellar Season on Loan
Joselu’s loan spell at Real Madrid for the 2023–24 season can only be described as a resounding success. In La Liga, he made 34 appearances overall, scoring 10 goals and providing 2 assists. His contributions were not limited to the domestic league; he also made significant impacts in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. Notably, Joselu scored twice in Real Madrid’s thrilling Champions League semi-final second-leg win against Bayern Munich, helping secure their place in the final.
His performance statistics for the season are impressive:
- La Liga: 34 appearances, 10 goals, 2 assists
- Copa del Rey: 2 appearances, 2 goals
- UEFA Champions League: 11 appearances, 5 goals
A Vital Addition to Real Madrid’s Attack
Joselu joins a star-studded Real Madrid squad, which includes top performers such as Rodrygo, who scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in La Liga, and midfield maestro Federico Valverde, who contributed 2 goals and 7 assists. The addition of Joselu is expected to bolster an already formidable attacking lineup that has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s recent successes, including their La Liga and Super Cup triumphs in the 2023–24 season.
Espanyol’s Farewell to a Key Player
For Espanyol, the departure of Joselu marks the end of a significant chapter. Despite their relegation to the Segunda División, Joselu was a bright spark in their campaign, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances during the 2022–23 La Liga season. His contributions were vital, but the club will now have to look to other talents such as Martin Braithwaite and Jofre Carreras to lead their attack.
Looking Forward
Joselu’s permanent move to Real Madrid is more than just a transfer; it is a homecoming for a player who has shown resilience and growth throughout his career. His journey from Real Madrid’s B-team to becoming a key player for their senior squad is a testament to his dedication and talent. As Real Madrid looks ahead to future challenges, having a seasoned striker like Joselu will undoubtedly be a strategic advantage.
This transfer highlights Real Madrid’s commitment to enhancing their squad depth and maintaining their status as one of the world’s premier football clubs. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how Joselu continues to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons.
