Real Madrid make big Mbappe transfer decision

Suraj Radia

28 Jun 2024 17:30 BST
3 min read

The arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick at Real Madrid has caused Carlo Ancelotti’s side to make an intriguing decision over their remaining transfer business this summer.

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Mbappe has finally completed his long-awaited switch to Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain upon the expiry of his contract, while Endrick will officially join Real when he turns 18 in July, having agreed a €60 million transfer from Palmeiras in 2022.

The double signing has boosted Real’s depth up front, having spent last season often relying on the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham playing as a striker, with veteran loanee Joselu the club’s only specialist striker.

It was thought that Joselu would remain at the club next season after his impactful loan spell, particularly with Real taking up the €1.5m option to permanently sign the 34-year-old from Espanyol

However the 34-year-old is expected to be sold once again to Qatari side Al-Ghafara instead, having accepted that the arrivals of Mbappe and Endrick will significantly reduce his game time.

And Relevo claim that Real will not look to replace Joselu, despite having initially counted on the Spaniard for next season, with the club believing they have enough quality and depth in attack even with his departure.

© IMAGO - Joselu will go down as a cult hero for Real Madrid

Real 'surprised' by Joselu decision to depart

Joselu established himself as a cult hero during his time in Madrid and enshrined himself into Real folklore after coming off the bench to score two late goals against Bayern Munich to send Los Blancos into the Champions League final.

STATS

Joselu

F (CRL)

Real Madrid

Joselu

F (CRL)

Real Madrid

49

Games
18

Goals
3

Assists

Real had been hoping to keep Joselu for another season, with Ancelotti keen to retain the striker’s experience and profile as a traditional number nine for his squad.

READ MORE: Latest Real Madrid transfer news

Therefore, Joselu’s decision to leave has caught Real ‘by surprise’ according to Relevo and the club are disappointed to see him go, particularly due to the impact it would have on the squad.

However, the club also encouraged the player to consider any offers he received, having been grateful for his contribution, and the move to Qatar will undoubtedly be more lucrative for Joselu.

Real believe the arrivals of Endrick and Mbappe have made their attacking options ‘close to perfection’, while players such as Arda Guler will also be used up front, meaning there is no plan to replace Joselu despite a previous desire to keep the veteran around.