Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final hero, Joselu Mato, is expected to leave the club this summer despite having a fresh contract offer from Real Madrid, the 34-year-old striker is believed to be heading to Saudi Arabia.
According to COPE journalist Miguel Angel Diaz, Real Madrid will not exercise their purchase option on Joselu, who made the decision himself after a successful loan spell in which he scored 18 goals in limited appearances.
Reports from Madrid-based outlet Diario AS suggest that Joselu will move to Saudi Arabia for a lucrative payday that significantly exceeds his current earnings at Real Madrid.
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While no specific team has been named, the lack of communication from Joselu’s camp has led Real Madrid to interpret his silence as a sign that he is planning a move to the Middle East.
Joselu reportedly understands that the arrivals of high-profile signings like Kylian Mbappé and Endrick would limit his playing time next season, prompting him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Real Madrid Won’t Exercise Purchase Option as Joselu Eyes Saudi Arabia Move
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has spoken highly of Joselu, and the club will keep their offer on the table until the end of the month, when their buy option expires.
Out of respect for Espanyol, Real Madrid will not exercise the option to make a profit on the veteran Spain international, allowing Espanyol to potentially secure a larger fee from a Saudi club.
Additionally, much of Joselu’s career has not been at the elite level, so the money on offer from Middle East would make a significant difference for him and his family, much more so than for players like Nacho Fernandez or Lucas Vazquez.
While reports suggest Joselu could be heading to Middle East, a return to Espanyol, who recently secured promotion back to La Liga, is also a possibility.
Joselu arrived at Real Madrid on loan at the start of the 2023/24 season. His most impactful moments came off the bench, including two crucial goals against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals that prevented Real Madrid’s elimination.
