Real Madrid weigh up future of Joselu amid Espanyol return uncertainty

Speculation is rife that Los Blancos will exercise the €1.5 million purchase option to secure his services permanently. However, the club must also consider Espanyol's needs should they make a return to La Liga.

During his recent time with the Spanish national team, Joselu Mato discussed his future in an interview with ABC. 

The striker, now a fixture in Luis de la Fuente's squad, reflected on his career at 33, comparing it to veterans like Pepe and Jesus Navas. "Age isn't significant anymore in football. Performance at 33 can rival that of younger years," Joselu noted, emphasizing his impact at Real Madrid and with the national team.

Signed by Real Madrid last summer to bolster their attack in the absence of Karim Benzema and amid stalled negotiations for Kylian Mbappe, Joselu arrived on loan from Espanyol. Now, talks are emerging regarding his potential permanent stay at the Bernabeu.

"It was an opportunity, and hopefully, it evolves from a loan," Joselu remarked on the circumstances surrounding his signing. "There's not much more I can say. I had a clause allowing me to leave on loan if Espanyol got relegated. Madrid saw the chance, deemed it suitable to execute. And here I am," he explained.

Real Madrid could secure his services for €1.5 million. Otherwise, Joselu remains contracted to Espanyol until June 2025, with the possibility of returning to the Pericos this summer. "There's a contract, a purchase option. Madrid can buy me in the summer. There are many situations, whether Espanyol gets promoted or not. Many things could happen," Joselu commented on the prospect of returning to Barcelona.

Following these statements, speculation has arisen about Joselu's potential return to Espanyol should Manolo Gonzalez's team secure promotion (currently third in the Segunda Division, four points behind the leader and one behind second). 

"Well, I don't know. If Madrid can exercise the purchase option, if they choose not to, many options could unfold," the player concluded, leaving the door slightly ajar for his return.