Two-year contract agreed as former Newcastle United striker set for surprise move

The 34-year-old enjoyed a fairy tale loan spell at the Bernabeu last season having scored 17 goals in total, including a dramatic late brace against Bayern Munich that fired Madrid into the Champions League final.

Real went on to beat Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley with Joselu appearing as an 85th minute substitute. Also winning La Liga and the Spanish Cup, Joselu’s efforts earned him a call-up to Spain’s Euro 2024 squad.

With an option to make the move permanent from Espanyol for just over £1million, Joselu was expected to stay at Los Blancos. However, in a surprise turn of events, Joselu has opted to join Qatari side Al Gharafa instead.

As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Joselu has agreed a two-year deal with an option of a further year. The move is due to be announced this week.

Newcastle fans have taken a keen interest in Joselu’s journey, none of whom predicted the striker would reach the heights of Real Madrid. The Spaniard endured a tough time on Tyneside after joining in a £5m deal from Stoke City in 2017.

After making his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town, Joselu grabbed his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win against West Ham United before the end of his first month at St James Park.

However, inconsistent form and playing in a United side that created few chances meant scored just seven goals in 52 appearances prior to his departure to Alaves in a £2.5m deal during the summer of 2019.

Reflecting on his exit from Newcastle, Joselu told The Guardian earlier this year: “When I left Newcastle, I signed for Alaves – an important club but not Newcastle’s level.

“I had four years [left on my contract]. It would have been easy to say I’m not dropping down. I could have stayed [at Newcastle], picked up my money, not played. But I wanted to compete, feel important, I had no problem going.

“That experience in England and three good seasons at Alaves, then Espanyol, helped me reach where I am now.”