Newcastle United £5m flop set for summer transfer after Champions League heroics

The unlikely hero, Joselu, not looking far ahead.

Newcastle United £5m flop set for summer transfer after Champions League heroics

Festus Chuma 13:48 - 09.05.2024

A former Newcastle striker heroically led Real Madrid to the Champions League final igniting summer transfer interest from Manchester United.

Former Newcastle United striker Joselu delivered a stunning late performance in Real Madrid's thrilling 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich, securing their place in the Champions League final. 

Joselu, now 34 and once written off after underwhelming spells at Newcastle and Stoke City, entered the semi-final as a substitute in the 81st minute with Real Madrid trailing 1-0 and on the brink of elimination. 

The veteran forward leveled the score with a precise header in the 88th minute, and then, with injury time ticking down, netted the winner to seal Real Madrid's 18th Champions League final appearance. 

In his post-match interview, Joselu expressed his emotions and the significance of the moment.

"I'm excited, a lot of interviews. I want to enjoy the moment. The game is very quick for me because I entered in the last 15 minutes and a lot of things happened in these minutes," he said as per The Shields Gazette.

"The first one was very important because we needed it at that moment. The second one absolutely destroyed the game, and I'm happy for that. I don’t remember the last time I scored two goals so quickly, but I'm very happy because we are in the final again."

Joselu's remarkable turnaround at Real Madrid comes after a turbulent career in England and Spain, which saw him released by Newcastle following six goals in 46 appearances. 

However, his respectable 52-goal tally in 144 La Liga matches for Alaves and Espanyol convinced Real Madrid to bring him back to the club last summer on an initial loan. 

Joselu has since netted 17 goals in all competitions this season, including five in the Champions League.

With a Champions League final showdown against Borussia Dortmund set for June 1st at Wembley Stadium, the experienced forward now has his eyes on securing a La Liga and Champions League double. Fans eagerly following the latest football livescore updates will be keen to see if he can achieve this feat.

If Real Madrid exercises their option to make Joselu's loan deal permanent, it would only cost them just £1.3 million. 

However, reports from Spain have linked Manchester United to a potential shock move for Joselu, as the Premier League club seeks to bolster their attacking ranks. Followers of the EPL results will be closely watching this development, as it could significantly impact the club's performance next season.

"Now we have three weeks to prepare for the final," said Joselu. "For me, it's very important to make the most of this opportunity and give my all for the team."

With his form in 2024 earning him a regular spot in the Spain national team, Joselu is relishing a new chapter in the twilight years of his career. 

The Los Blancos' faith in the veteran striker could prove to be one of the best bargains in recent history if his decisive goals propel them to European glory once again. 

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