Former Newcastle United and Premier League misfit Joselu is closing in on a move to Real Madrid after suffering relegation from La Liga with Espanyol.
Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema are not the only Spanish-based marksmen still going strong well into their 30s.
Joselu, four years on from that Newcastle United stint, is proving that old dogs really can learn new tricks. With 17 goals in all competitions for Espanyol – including 16 in La Liga – 2022/23 is already Joselu’s most prolific campaign since he was a fresh-faced youngster looking to make a name for himself in Real Madrid’s B team over a decade ago.
The late-blooming 33-year-old even forced his way into the Spanish national team. He marked his La Roja debut with brace off the bench against Norway in March.
Newcastle flop Joselu returning to Real Madrid
Joselu’s remarkable late-career resurgence, meanwhile, could see the one-time Real Madrid B-teamer link up with the Blancos A-team sooner rather than later. ESPN report that there is a clause in the targetman’s contract. One which will alllow him to leave Espanyol and join another La Liga club on loan after Los Pericos’ relegation was confirmed earlier this month.
And with Real Madrid in need of a striker to provide back-up for Benzema – long-serving benchwarmer Mariano Diaz is finally on his way out the door – ESPN believe that talks between Joselu and Los Blancos are now at an ‘advanced’ stage.
Despite suffering relegation in each of the last two seasons – at Alaves and now Espanyol – the one-time Newcastle flop has continued to score goals at an impressive rate. In fact, since returning to Spain from St James’ Park in 2019, he’s found the net 52 times. An average of 13 goals per season.
In fact, only the aforementioned Benzema and Lewandowski have more than him this term.
“Joselu adds to the team. We are delighted with him,” former Espanyol coach Diego Martinez said before biting the bullet at the RCDE Arena.
“(We admire) everything he provides beyond the goals. His hold-up play, his work-rate, his ability to lead the line alone or with a partner.”
In addition to all those attributes, Joselu will need to show plenty of ‘patience’ at Real Madrid; gearing up for a season in Benzema’s shadow.
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