Real Madrid trigger option to sign Joselu on permanent basis - but veteran forward's future lies away from Carlo Ancelotti's team with another transfer in the works

The Spanish striker joined Madrid on loan from Espanyol last summer following their relegation from La Liga. Espanyol confirmed on Thursday that Los Blancos have triggered his €1.5 million (£1.27m/$1.6m) release clause, but Cadena SER reports the 34-year-old will soon be sold to Qatari team Al-Ghafara.

Despite scoring 18 goals in 49 appearances for Madrid this season, Joselu will not stay at the Spanish giants. With the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, the Spain international would struggle for game time in Carlo Ancelotti's team. Therefore, Madrid have agreed to sell him for the aforementioned price to the Qatari outfit and not make any money from the deal.

Joselu struggled for goals for much of his career, which included stints at Newcastle United, Stoke City, Hannover, Deportivo La Coruna, and more. However, that changed when he joined Alaves in 2019 and since then he has scored more than 10 goals in each of the last five seasons.

While Joselu's future will be decided soon, with the veteran reportedly set to earn £7m ($9m) during a two-year spell in Qatar, he will hope to feature for Spain as they try to win Euro 2024 in Germany this month.