OFFICIAL: Joselu gives Madrid their '9'

Real Madrid are not holding back for next season. They are going all out to boost their squad after a series of departures this summer, including striker Karim Benzema amongst others. Already this summer the titans have announced the signings of Jude Bellingham, Brahim Diaz and Fran Garcia.

Now, Carlo Ancelotti's side have announced their fourth of the window: returning striker Joselu Mato. The forward comes back from relegated Espanyol and gives the Copa del Rey champions their fire power up front - their new '9', replacing Benzema.

 

June 19, 2023

Playing two seasons with Real Madrid Castilla, he scored a stunning 40 goals in 70 appearances. He didn't have the same impact when he moved to the first team, and has since collected experience playing in the Bundesliga and Premier League.

At 33 years old, there is one thing that Joselu has not yet lost: his eye for goal. The striker has been gaining experience in all his destinations and, above all, increasing his rapsheet of goals.

This season, and despite Espanyol's relegation to the Second Division, the Galician has scored a total of 17 goals. These goals have made him crowned as the top scorer between First and Second Division ahead of Borja Iglesias or Alvaro Morata.

But this has not been the only good news for Joselu. The striker was also called up for the first time in his history with the Spanish National Team. And his debut well well for him - in 3 games with 'la Roja', he has scored in all of them. Some of these were crucial, including a last gasp goal in the semifinals of the Nations League against Italy.

A dream only marred by Espanyol's relegation to the Second Division this past season. Time for a clean slate for the '9', who will have his great challenge this season in the ranks of a squad as demanding as that of Real Madrid and thus demonstrate that he is ready to repay the trust placed in him

 

June 19, 2023