OFFICIAL: Madrid buy Joselu to sell to Al Gharafa

Joselu Mato is no longer part of Espanyol's discipline. At midday on Thursday, the Catalan club, who have been promoted back to Primera Division, confirmed that Real Madrid have exercised their buy option after his season on loan at Madrid. He was key in winning the 15th Champions League with his performance against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, but his adventure in the capital will also come to an end.
It is assumed that the operation between the Stage Front Stadium and the Santiago Bernabeu, which amounts to 1.5 million euros, is a mere formality for the 'Merengues' bosses to transfer him to Al Gharafa, in the Qatar League, where he will spend the last years of his career. He will have an important position while receiving an attractive salary with a view to his retirement, as he is 34 years old and it won't be long before he hangs up his boots.
"Real Madrid have informed RCD Espanyol that they are executing the release clause for Joselu Mato, included in the agreement reached a year ago between the two clubs. Therefore, Joselu is no longer a Espanyol player. RCD Espanyol wishes him luck in his new professional adventure," reads the text published by the 'Pericos' on their website.
Based on the reactions of the fans on social media, the feeling is that Joselu's decision has not gone down well with the Blue and Whites. He joined the club in the summer of 2022 following the end of his association with Alaves and, over the course of the 22-23 season, scored 17 goals, the same as his return to Real Madrid, where he played just over 1,000 minutes less.