Newcastle United flop continues redemption by signing for European giants in bargain £1.27m deal

Former Newcastle United striker Joselu is expected to complete a permanent transfer to European and Spanish champions Real Madrid in a deal which will see him line-up alongside Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium next term.

The 34-year-old striker arrived at Real Madrid last summer on a season-long loan deal from Espanyol worth an estimated fee of £427,000, with the deal also including an option to make the move permanent for just £1.27m at the end of the season, as reported by The Athletic.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side took advantage of a transfer clause in Joselu’s Espanyol contract which came into effect following the Cornella outfit’s relegation from La Liga in 2022/23, and Madrid now have until 30 June to activate their purchase option.

The Athletic reports Real Madrid have already decided to sign the striker this summer, but are waiting to formally complete the deal out of respect to Espanyol who are currently competing in the play-offs to try and earn their place back in the top-flight of Spanish football.

Joselu, who played alongside Alvaro Morata in the Real Madrid B team back in 2010 has enjoyed a sensational career renaissance since his departure from St James’ Park in the summer of 2019. Last season, he registered 17 goals and three assists across all competitions - including a dramatic late double from the bench in the Champions League semi-final as the capital side came from behind to defeat 33-time German champions Bayern Munich in stunning fashion.

Joselu’s form in the last few seasons has earned him a place in the Spanish national team for Euro 2024 alongside former Magpies teammates Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad and former fan favourite Ayoze Perez of Real Betis.

Joselu represented Spain at under-19, under-20 and under-21 level, but never received a call-up to the senior squad until he was nearly 33. However, since making his debut he has already proven he is a valued asset for the national team that can produce in clutch moments. So far he has scored five goals in 10 international caps - including the winning goal in the semi-final of the Nations League against Italy. A tournament that Spain would go on to win by defeating future Euro group stage opponents Croatia in the final.

The 34-year-old looks a completely different beast to the one that managed just seven goals in 52 appearances in all competitions under the guidance of Rafael Benitez between 2017 and 2019. He also looks a much-improved player from the one that scored just four times in 22 appearances for Mark Hughes’ Stoke City team during the 2015/16 campaign.

After winning the Champions League, Joselu described the achievement as a dream come true after everything he’s done in his career and admitted that it probably meant more to him then some of his team mates who are used to regularly lifting silverware.

He told Diario AS: “For me it’s the first. These b*******, some don’t even celebrate it anymore. The dressing room is very happy to end the season like this, there is no better way. I can’t tell you how I feel, there are many things and many emotions that go through my head.

“I have been able to share this moment with my children, my wife and my mother. My oldest son was crying so much. The little one still doesn’t know so much and my wife knows everything we’ve been through over the years. The day I signed here, I dreamed of this. It’s the title that everyone wants to win.”