Latest news with #Joselu
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Real Madrid tipped to sign Liverpool cult hero just days after sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer
LIVERPOOL cult hero Firmino has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, reports claim. Real are looking for an experienced goalscorer to support 4 Roberto Firmino is being linked with an unlikely move to Real Madrid Credit: Getty 4 Firmino could be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold Credit: Getty It comes just days after Madrid swooped Liverpool boyhood star Spain . And according to Spanish outlet AS Sport, Madrid are in the hunt for a new Joselu-like figure to come to the Bernabeu. The former Stoke and Newcastle forward may have flopped in the Premier League , but he's fondly remembered in the Spanish capital. Joselu scored crucial goals en route to Real's 2024 Champions League victory, most notably his two late notches in the semi-final win over Bayern Munich . READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Joselu, who came through the ranks at Real as a youngster, scored 18 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions as he played a vital support role after rejoining for a year aged 33. And having been without such a prolific role player this year after Joselu joined Saudi side Al-Gharafa SC, Firmino has reportedly dropped onto Madrid 's radar. The Brazilian, 33, who once featured in one of most lethal Premier League front-threes with Mo Salah and Sado Maino, now plays in Saudi Arabia with Firmino was linked with a Most read in Football 4 Josulu became a cult hero in Madrid Credit: Alamy CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS After initially struggling to find his feet, Firmino has managed 21 goals in 65 appearances, and he captained Firmino is also seen as someone who could play a vital bench role for new manager Madrid . Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans A move would allow youngster Gonzalo Garcia, 21, another year to develop after scoring 25 goals for Madrid 's academy this season. If does complete the switch, then Firmino would be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold . The pair who won it all at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp's golden years , including the club's first-ever Premier League trophy and the 2019 Champions League title. While Firmino was given a hero's send-off when he was released in 2023, the England right-back faced heavy criticism from Liverpool fans, who were initially fuming about his free agent status. But The Spanish giants were hell-bent on having the 26-year-old for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14 in the US. Firmino would also have fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and 4 Firmino could also link up with Brazil team-mate Vinicius Jr Credit: Reuters
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Real Madrid tipped to sign Liverpool cult hero just days after sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer
LIVERPOOL cult hero Firmino has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, reports claim. Real are looking for an experienced goalscorer to support Kylian Mbappe up top, after finishing second behind LaLiga champions Barcelona this season. 4 4 It comes just days after Madrid swooped Liverpool boyhood star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ended his 20-year career at Anfield for sunny Spain. And according to Spanish outlet AS Sport, Madrid are in the hunt for a new Joselu-like figure to come to the Bernabeu. The former Stoke and Newcastle forward may have flopped in the Premier League, but he's fondly remembered in the Spanish capital. Joselu scored crucial goals en route to Real's 2024 Champions League victory, most notably his two late notches in the semi-final win over Bayern Munich. Joselu, who came through the ranks at Real as a youngster, scored 18 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions as he played a vital support role after rejoining for a year aged 33. And having been without such a prolific role player this year after Joselu joined Saudi side Al-Gharafa SC, Firmino has reportedly dropped onto Madrid's radar. The Brazilian, 33, who once featured in one of most lethal Premier League front-threes with Mo Salah and Sado Maino, now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli. Firmino was linked with a shock move to Madrid before the end of Liverpool contract in 2023. 4 After initially struggling to find his feet, Firmino has managed 21 goals in 65 appearances, and he captained Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite title this season. Firmino is also seen as someone who could play a vital bench role for new manager Xabi Alonso, who also starred for both Liverpool and Madrid. Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans A move would allow youngster Gonzalo Garcia, 21, another year to develop after scoring 25 goals for Madrid's academy this season. If does complete the switch, then Firmino would be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold. The pair who won it all at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp 's golden years, including the club's first-ever Premier League trophy and the 2019 Champions League title. While Firmino was given a hero's send-off when he was released in 2023, the England right-back faced heavy criticism from Liverpool fans, who were initially fuming about his free agent status. But Madrid have since paid £10million to release Alexander-Arnold a month early from this contract that was due to end on June 30. The Spanish giants were hell-bent on having the 26-year-old for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14 in the US. Firmino would also have fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao as team-mates. 4
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Real Madrid Shortlists This Striker As Latest Signing
Real Madrid is interested in signing a veteran striker and has already shortlisted a La Liga star in that respect according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited anonymous sources. Because of newfound domestic dominance from bitter rival FC Barcelona, and being outclassed by Arsenal on the continent in the Champions League quarterfinals, Madrid finished this season without major silverware. Its 2023/2024 campaign under the since departed Carlo Ancelotti was a different story, however, with Los Blancos enjoying a European Cup, La Liga and Super Cup treble. One of the unexpected heroes of that immortal campaign of course, however, was Joselu. Coming off the bench to sink Bayern Munich in a dramatic UCL semifinal second leg at the Bernabeu, he then fled to Qatar for what should be one last big career day in his mid-30s. Though Kylian Mbappe did a fine job in a new role as a central number 9, winning Europe's Golden Boot in the process, perhaps one of the reasons for coming up short last time round was the lack of a veteran marksman who could come off the bench and score a much-needed goal. Under Xabi Alonso in 2025/2026, Madrid seeks to provide the legendary midfielder with such an option by pursuing Ante Budimir according to Mundo Deportivo. Scoring 24 goals and providing four assists as Osasuna finished ninth and only just missed out on European qualification to Rayo Vallecano, Budimir turns 34 on July 22 and can be picked up for a cut fee. That's around $9 million (€8 million) if his next stop is elsewhere in Spain, with another couple of million euros slapped on to the price if a potential suitor is located elsewhere. If Budimir could be bought and scores the important goals to land titles like Joselu did, his transfer would pretty much end up paying for itself. Though Kylian Mbappe will likely remain Xabi Alonso's first choice for the striker's position, bringing in Budimir would obviously give the ex-Leverkusen tactician further options up front. Essentially, the potential new acquisition would battle for leftover minutes with Endrick, who enjoyed little prominence on Ancelotti's watch at Real Madrid but could now be reunited with him on international duty for Brazil.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso wants Real Madrid to sign a ‘Joselu type' striker
New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is leaving no stone unturned to ensure he has a competitive squad from day 1 and is addressing all the areas Carlo Ancelotti's team lacked over the past ten months. The defence has already received two major upgrades in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen and is even set to welcome a new left-back in Alvaro Carreras soon. Advertisement Meanwhile, the manager is also pushing for new midfielders who suit his style of play with the club looking for a big name as well as players for rotation. Now, journalist Rodra (via Inaki Angulo YouTube) brings to light that Real Madrid have been handed a new mission by Alonso – to strengthen the forward line. A new striker As relayed by the Spanish journalist, the new Real Madrid manager wants a 'Joselu type' signing in attack who can cover the No. 9 role next season. He sees it very clear that such a profile is direly needed at the club. Joselu made a big impact at Real Madrid in 2023/24. (Photo by) With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. poised to take up regular places in Alonso's team, there will likely not be a place for a new player to come in as a regular starter. Advertisement That's where the 'Joselu' tag comes in, for the Spaniard played a pioneering role in Real Madrid during his term at the club despite not being a regular starter. Joselu arrived at the club on a very minor fee, earned relatively low wages and was happy to contribute whenever called on as a rotational player or an impact substitute. His ability to churn up goals and act like the target man Real Madrid did not have. Finding such a player in today's market is indeed complicated, especially if Real Madrid are looking to achieve the objective on a budget fee. There is, however, no denying that a lethal striker could revolutionise the team, especially with two attacking full-backs set to take over on both flanks next season.
Qatar Tribune
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Gharafa beat Al Rayyan 2-1 to claim Amir Cup
DOHA: Al Gharafa crowned themselves with HH The Amir Cup's glory defeating Al Rayyan 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday. A comeback effort via a 50th minute penalty strike from Roger Guedes wasn't enough for Al Rayyan to overcome The Cheetahs, who despite being down to ten-men in the 64th minute went to claim their eighth Amir Cup title. Ferjani Sassi (4th minute) and Joselu (18th minute) scored the goals for Al Gharafa. The victory marked Gharafa's first triumph in the prestigious football tournament since 2012, adding another chapter to their storied history. Al Gharafa came out of the blocks with intent, applying high pressure and dominating possession from the kickoff. Their aggressive start was rewarded just four minutes in, when Sassi latched onto a pinpoint cross from Ahmed Al Ganehi and calmly slotted home the opener. Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Gharafa continued to dictate the pace, and in the 18th minute, Joselu doubled the lead with a clinical finish off another well-worked delivery from the flank. Rayyan struggled to cope with Gharafa's fluid attacking play in the first half and went into the break trailing 2-0. However, the second half saw a resurgent Rayyan side push forward with purpose. Their efforts paid off in the 49th minute when they were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Yousef Hassan brought down Andre Amaro in the box. Guedes stepped up and converted from the spot to reduce the deficit. Gharafa nearly restored their two-goal cushion moments later, but Rodrigo Mourinho was denied by the woodwork in the 51st minute. The game took a dramatic turn in the 65th minute when Gharafa were reduced to 10 men after Senegalese defender Seydou Sano received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Guedes. Despite the numerical advantage and relentless pressure in the closing stages, Rayyan were unable to break through Gharafa's resilient defence. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations for Gharafa, who lifted the Amir Cup trophy for the eighth time, ending a 13-year wait.
