Battle in LaLiga Over the Signing of Joselu

Joselu Mato could return to Spain this summer. The Galician forward, former player of Real Madrid and currently at Al-Gharafa in Qatar, finishes his contract on June 30 and has several offers to compete again in LaLiga. He is set to be one of the main figures in the transfer market.

Deportivo de La Coruña, Getafe, Alavés, and Espanyol are keeping an eye on his situation. At 36 years old, the striker still holds value in Spain, and all indications suggest that his time in Qatar might just be a parenthesis before a final elite-level venture.

Joselu Mato has four significant offers from Spain: Deportivo de La Coruña, Getafe, Alavés, and Espanyol interested in the former Real Madrid player

Joselu left Real Madrid in 2024 after an unforgettable season. His brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals remains etched in the memories of Madrid fans and marked the climax of his European career before heading to Qatar.

Al-Gharafa made a strong bid for him, offering a very substantial contract. According to Salary Sport, his salary at the Qatari club is around £7.3 million annually, a figure nearly impossible to match for most Spanish teams interested.

However, money does not seem to be the sole factor anymore. Joselu's contract expires this summer, allowing him to choose his next destination as a free agent, stirring the interest of several LaLiga clubs.

La Razón reported that several Spanish teams are competing for his signing, including Alavés, Deportivo de La Coruña, Getafe, and Espanyol. Gol Digital also places the striker in the orbit of clubs seeking an established forward without paying a transfer fee.

His performance in Qatar has been decent, though away from the European media spotlight. Playmakerstats credits him with six goals in 17 matches during the 2025/26 season, while ESPN notes three goals in the AFC Champions League Elite.

While not staggering numbers, they are sufficient to demonstrate his continued competitiveness. Most notably, Joselu possesses something challenging to find in the market: experience, aerial play, and goal-scoring ability.

Deportivo de La Coruña stands out as one of the destinations with strong sentimental value. Joselu is Galician, born in Stuttgart but closely tied to Galicia in his football upbringing, and the return of Dépor to LaLiga has opened the door to emotionally charged operations.

Riazor needs exciting names after its LaLiga return. The club may not compete in major expenditures, but it can offer a special project, a devoted fanbase, and a significant role within the team.

Joselu understands the significance of playing in a historic club. Although he never wore the Deportivo shirt in the first team, his Galician roots and the club's current moment make this option one of the most attractive on a personal level.

For Dépor, his signing would make sense if his salary aligns. The team requires forwards with skill, the ability to hold up play, and experience in high-pressure matches.

The uncertainty lies in his physical condition and the demands of a recently promoted team. Joselu would need to embrace a leadership role along with the context of struggle, survival, and hard work off the ball.

If his priority is to return home and feel significant, Deportivo could present viable options.

Alavés and Espanyol also hold a strong connection with Joselu. In Vitoria, he experienced one of the most productive stages of his career, becoming a key figure in the attack and earning his way back to prominence in LaLiga.

Alavés is seeking to bolster its attacking line and requires a forward who complements their current profiles. Joselu is familiar with the club, the city, and the standards of Mendizorroza, which usually eases any potential return.

On the other hand, Espanyol could appeal to his emotional side. In Cornellà, he was a vital player before his move to Real Madrid, leaving an excellent memory due to his goal-scoring prowess.

His time at Espanyol was fundamental in reigniting his career. He scored goals, took on responsibility, and proved his capability to perform in a team in need of scoring power.

Returning to Espanyol would signify a full-circle moment, going back to a club where he was significant and where fans still hold him in high regard.

In both scenarios, the economic factor will be crucial. Neither club can match Qatari salaries, so Joselu may need to accept a substantial salary reduction if he aims to return.

Getafe represents the least sentimental choice but perhaps the most compelling from a sporting perspective. The Azulones will participate in the upcoming edition of the Conference League, a factor that could carry significant weight.

At 36, Joselu might be enticed by the opportunity to return to European competition. It may not be Real Madrid's Champions League, but it offers an international stage that sustains his competitive spirit.

Furthermore, his profile aligns well with Getafe's typical player search. Bordalás values strong forwards, competitive players adept at direct play and capable of converting aerial crosses into clear chances.

Joselu embodies all those qualities. He is a penalty box striker, excels in aerial duels, and thrives in tight games, precisely the contests Getafe tends to thrive in.

The European presence may compensate for the lack of an emotional connection. Should the forward seek a final challenging chapter, the Coliseum could offer a very serious proposition.

The market will decide in the coming weeks. Joselu will be a free agent, has offers, and his return to LaLiga appears increasingly likely.

Deportivo, Alavés, and Espanyol appeal to the heart. Getafe offers Europe. And Joselu, after his Qatar adventure, must decide where he wants to script the final Spanish chapter of a career defined by goals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Guerra en LaLiga por el fichaje de Joselu