Man United handed potential transfer dilemma by Real Madrid star after Champions League heroics

Mark Wakefield

9 May 2024 at 6:18 am·2-min read

Real Madrid striker Joselu starred against Bayern Munich -Credit:Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Manchester United may find it more difficult to sign Joselu after the striker's Champions League heroics.

Wednesday night saw Joselu in action for Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich. The Spanish giants recorded a 2-1 victory on the night to win 4-3 aggregate and set up a final against Borussia Dortmund.

It looked like Bayern Munich would be reaching the final after Alphonso Davies had put the German club ahead. However, Joselu scored twice in the final minutes of the contest to see Real Madrid record a dramatic victory.

Joselu has now scored 16 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, including five in the Champions League. The 34-year-old is currently spending the campaign on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu from Espanyol.

Reports this week saw Joselu linked with a move to United at the end of the season. Relevo reporter Matteo Moretto has claimed that the Reds have made a move to sign the striker this summer, but it may not be so straightforward.

Joselu's contract at Espnayol is due to expire in the summer of 2025, meaning a transfer fee would be needed to prize him out of the La Liga club. Thanks to the former Newcastle striker's impact against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Espanyol may feel they need to increase their asking price for any club interested in his signature.

It remains to be seen if Real Madrid want to sign Joselu on a permanent basis this summer. The Spanish giants are rumoured to be interested in signing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, and should that happen it's uncertain if the club would want to bring Joselu back on a permanent deal.

Joselu admitted he was fulfilling a dream after helping Real Madrid reach the Champions League final.

"You always dream of this kind of performance, but not even my most beautiful dreams are as big as what happened," Joselu said, via BBC Sport.

"I don't know anything about being a hero, but I'm very happy. It was incredible, something spectacular. This team never gives up, it's in its blood to fight to the end and that's what we've done."

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