Official: Real Madrid active clause to sign 34-year-old forward ahead of Al-Gharafa move | OneFootball

Newly promoted La Liga side Espanyol have announced that Real Madrid have taken up the option to purchase Joselu.

As of this Thursday, Joselu is officially a Real Madrid player, as in the last few hours, Real Madrid have paid Espanyol the agreed-upon amount of €1.5 million, which was set during the loan agreement made last summer.

Espanyol confirmed that Real Madrid have officially informed them about paying the buyout clause, and thus, Joselu is no longer part of Espanyol.

“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,” read a statement from Espanyol.

“RCD Espanyol wishes him luck in his new professional adventure.”

Interestingly, this does not necessarily mean that Joselu will play for Real Madrid in the upcoming season. The primary goal of Real Madrid’s action is to release Joselu from having to negotiate his departure with Espanyol.

Joselu will not play for Real Madrid

Joselu is set to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Joselu already has a deal in place with Al-Gharafa in Qatar, where he is set to earn a net salary of €8 million per season for the next two seasons.

Real Madrid plan to transfer Joselu to Al-Gharafa for the same €1.5 million they paid to Espanyol. This transfer will make it easier for the striker to move on.

The agreement between Joselu and the Qatari club is finalized and the center-forward is expected to sign a two-year contract with an option for a third year. The official announcement of this move is expected in the next few days.

Last season, Joselu had a remarkable performance, scoring 17 goals and contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s success.

The team won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. His departure marks the end of a fruitful stint, but he will be looking forward to new challenges and opportunities with Al-Gharafa in Qatar.