JUST IN: Joselu Mato finally speaks on his career decision to leave Real Madrid this summer.
JUST IN: Joselu Mato finally speaks on his career decision to leave Real Madrid this summer.
Real Madrid forward Joselu Mato had looked set to remain at the club next season,
but the veteran has changed his mind over the last few weeks. Instead he is set to join Qatari side Al-Gharrafa.
According to Matteo Moretto, Joselu has agreed terms to a two-year deal with an option for a further season.
The clubs are yet to reach an agreement, with a less than simple situation on the horizon though.
Real Madrid have an option to buy Joselu for €1.5m before the end of the month,
and they could then try to sell him at a profit to Al-Gharafa, although the suggestion has been that they will not look to do so.
However, if this is the case, Espanyol will try to take advantage of it. Mao Ye, Chief Executive of Espanyol,
told Rac1 that Al-Gharafa would have to negotiate with them for Joselu before refuting allegations that owner
Chen Yansheng was trying to sell the club.
“If Madrid does not exercise the purchase option by June 30, Joselu will have one year remaining on his contract.” If Qatar wants him, they must negotiate with Espanyol, and we have yet to hear back; but, until June 30, Madrid may use that option.”
The departure of Joselu will leave Carlo Ancelotti without a physical presence at number nine next season, should Real Madrid’s plans change, while the signing of Kylian Mbappe will not deplete their firepower. The additions of Mbappe and Endrick Felipe are among the reasons Joselu has opted to go.
Meanwhile, it could benefit Espanyol, who were set to lose Joselu anyhow, but could extract more money from the Qatari side, knowing that the Spain international is a higher priority than Los Blancos, and money will not be an issue for Al-Gharafa.
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