Real Madrid forward decides to join Qatari club despite Ancelotti wanting him to stay: Reports
On-loan Real Madrid forward Joselu has reportedly decided to join Qatari side Al Gharafa. That's despite Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti wanting the player to stay.
Joselu, 34, is coming off a superb 2023-24 season. He contributed17 goals and three assists in 49 games across competitions - mostly off the bench - helping Los Blancos to three titles, including the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
However, with his loan deal expiring at the end of the month, Joselu's future remains uncertain. As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard has decided to join Qatari side Al Gharafa, despite Ancelotti wanting to keep Joselu at the club.
Madrid Xtra has also confirmed that Joselu has decided to end his Santiago Bernabeu sojourn ahead of a new adventure overseas.
As per COPE (via Managing Madrid), with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick set to follow suit soon, opportunities in the first team are likely to diminish if he stays. So, Joselu has decided to leave.
It's pertinent to note that the striker played a key role in Los Blancos' record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League triumph.
Although he didn't provide a goal contribution in the 2-0 final win over Borussia Dortmund at the Wembley, Joselu scored both goals off the bench as Los Blancos beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the semifinal second leg at home to reach the final.
A look at Real Madrid's 2023-24 season
Real Madrid enjoyed a splendid 2023-24 season. As aforementioned, they won three titles, including a second La Liga-UEFA Champions League double in three years.
Carlo Ancelotti's side lost only twice all season - with both defeats coming to Atletico Madrid on the road. One was a 3-1 La Liga reverse, while the other - a 4-2 extra time defeat - came in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Madrid recovered well from the Cup loss by not losing another game during the season. Having won the Supercopa Espana at the start of the year, they added a record-extending 36th La Liga title before winning their 15th in the UEFA Champions League.