Tribune News Network
Doha
Spain forward Jose Luis Mato Sanmartin “Joselu” has joined Al Gharafa on a two-year deal with an option to extend for another year, the Qatar Stars League (QSL) side announced on Saturday.
“The management of our club extends thanks and appreciation to Real Madrid for its great co-operation during the transfer procedure,” Al Gharafa said in a statement.
The 34-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 34 the La Liga appearances in 2023-24, is the second Real Madrid player currently playing for Spain in Euro 2024 to join the Qatari club this week, after Saudi side Al Qadsiah announced the signing of Nacho on Thursday.
Joselu helped Real reach the Champions League final last season when he came on as a substitute and scored a late brace against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semi-finals, clinching a 2-1 win for his club.
“Real Madrid thanks Joselu for his professionalism and his madridismo,” Real, who later won the Champions League, said in a statement.
Former Newcastle United and Stoke City player Joselu’s signing comes as Al Gharafa strengthen their squad for the AFC Champions League Elite qualifiers, after finishing third in the QSL last season, making their first appearance in Asia’s top-tier competition since 2011.
Croatian striker Antonio Manci for Umm Salal
Meanwhile, Umm Salal Club announced the signing of Croatian striker Antonio Manci from Hungarian club Zalaegerszeg.
The club said that the player has signed a contract after successfully clearing the medical examination to begin his career with the club’s first football team starting with the new season 2024-2025.
The Croatian will replace Portuguese striker Lucas Joao whose contract with the team expired at the end of last season.
The contract with Mansi is the first deal for Umm Salal Club during the current summer transfer period as the team seeks a distinguished appearance in the next season after occupying seventh place in the Qatar Stars League standings last season with 28 points.
Umm Salal Club have decided to hold the team’s overseas training camp in the Netherlands from July 17 to August 3.
