Transfer FC: Joselu moves from Real Madrid to Al-Gharafa

Welcome to Transfer FC, our weekly roundup of the most intriguing football transfer stories. We’ll delve into the deals, assessing their potential benefits for both the players and the clubs involved.

Joselu to Real Madrid (€1.5 million)

Real Madrid have activated a clause to sign 34-year-old forward José Luis Mato Sanmartín, known as Joselu, from RCD Espanyol for €1.5 million.

Joselu, who was on loan at Real Madrid during the 2023/2024 season, made a significant impact with 49 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing three assists.

His contributions were instrumental in Real Madrid’s LaLiga and UEFA Champions League triumphs.

This move, however, is part of a broader plan to facilitate Joselu’s transfer to Qatar Stars League side Al-Gharafa SC, who will pay the same fee.

Espanyol was reluctant to sell directly to Al-Gharafa for this amount.

Verdict: This transfer aligns well with Joselu’s career trajectory. Despite a stellar season, the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and Brazilian prodigy Endrick at Real Madrid would likely reduce his playing time.

The switch to Al-Gharafa offers Joselu a chance for regular football and a lucrative move.

While it’s a generous gesture from Madrid, it could strain their relationship with Espanyol, who might have hoped for a higher fee for their veteran forward.

Nacho Fernández to Al Qadsiah FC (free transfer)

In another departure from Real Madrid, club captain Nacho Fernández is set to join Saudi First Division League champions Al Qadsiah FC on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old defender has been a stalwart at Santiago Bernabéu for 23 years, amassing 242 LaLiga appearances, scoring 12 goals, and providing seven assists.

His trophy cabinet includes six UEFA Champions League titles, four LaLiga championships, and two Copa del Rey victories.

In the 2023/2024 season, Nacho played 45 games, assisting one goal.

Verdict: Nacho’s decision to join Al Qadsiah, rather than an established Saudi Pro League club, is intriguing.

For Al Qadsiah, it’s a coup, bringing in a serial winner and a reliable defender.

For Nacho, this move offers regular playing time and a significant final payday as he nears the end of his career.

While Real Madrid will miss his influence and leadership, they seem to be looking to the future, reportedly eyeing 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro as a potential successor.

However, replacing a figure like Nacho will be a tough challenge for Los Blancos.

Abel Ruiz to Girona (€9 million)

S.C. Braga’s Spanish forward Abel Ruiz has signed with LaLiga’s third-place finishers, Girona, in a €9 million deal.

Ruiz, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, featured in 48 matches for Braga across all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.

Despite these modest stats, Ruiz’s technical abilities and potential have caught Girona’s attention as they prepare for their upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign.

Verdict: This move is somewhat surprising given Ruiz’s relatively low goal tally. With 50 goals and 25 assists in 274 career appearances, his scoring record isn’t prolific.

However, his technical prowess, honed at La Masia, could make him a valuable asset under Girona’s head coach, Míchel.

The coach’s strategy for Ruiz will be pivotal in determining the success of this transfer.

Daichi Kamada to Crystal Palace (free transfer)

Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada has joined Premier League side Crystal Palace on a free transfer from Lazio.

Kamada’s move reunites him with former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner, under whom he won the Europa League in 2021.

In his single season with Lazio, Kamada made 38 appearances, netting two goals and assisting two more.

Verdict: This signing makes sense for Crystal Palace, especially with the potential departures of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

Kamada’s versatility and attacking prowess can help fill the void if these key players leave.

Reuniting with Glasner is also beneficial for Kamada, as their previous success together suggests a productive partnership at Palace.

Jerome Opoku to İstanbul Başakşehir (€1.5 million)

Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku has joined İstanbul Başakşehir on a permanent deal from FC Arouca for €1.5 million.

After a successful loan spell in the 2023/2024 season, where he made 28 league appearances and scored four goals, Opoku’s transfer was made permanent.

His contributions were vital to Başakşehir’s strong finish in the Süper Lig.

Verdict: This transfer is a win-win for both Opoku and İstanbul Başakşehir. Opoku has found a team and system that suit his style, providing him with the regular game time crucial for his development.

For Başakşehir, they secure a proven player who has already demonstrated his capability in the Süper Lig.

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