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On-loan Real Madrid striker Joselu Mato is reportedly set to leave the club this summer transfer window. The Spaniard spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Los Blancos from Espanyol.
The La Liga giants signed Joselu on a season-long loan last summer following the departure of club legend Karim Benzema. The Spaniard was expected to be a backup attacker but made a decent contribution throughout the season. He made 49 appearances across competitions, starting just 18 of them, and contributed 17 goals and three assists.
His biggest contribution came in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu. Trailing 3-2 on aggregate, Carlo Ancelotti brought on Joselu in the 81st minute, who scored a brace (88', 90+1'). Real Madrid reached the final where they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0.
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There was speculation about whether Los Blancos will sign Joselu permanently but as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he is set to leave. The 34-year-old will join Qatari side Al Gharafa. Carlo Ancelotti wanted to keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu but he is set to leave regardless.
Real Madrid have signed Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, which would've seen an even more reduced playing time for Joselu next season. Al Gharafa, meanwhile, finished third in the Qatar Stars League last season behind Al Sadd and Al Rayyan.
Real Madrid also set to part ways with club legend Nacho Fernandez
Another player who Los Blancos are set to part ways with this summer is club legend Nacho Fernandez, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish defender has been at the club for 23 years now but is set to leave as a free agent.
Nacho made 364 appearances for Real Madrid and also registered 16 goals and 10 assists. He was a valuable member of the squad over the years due to his ability to play across the backline. He is also the most decorated player in Los Blancos' history alongside Luka Modric with 26 trophies.
Nacho will join Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah, signing a two-year contract. He has already completed his medical and didn't want to listen to any offers from Europe. Nacho will be the second club legend to leave the Merengues this summer after Toni Kroos, who is set to retire after the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024. Luka Modric will be the new club captain for the 2024-25 season.
