In Focus: Joselu is perfect alternative to Benzema's replacement

Many English fans will have been surprised by the news that Joselu had signed for Real Madrid. 

Those that remember the striker for his disappointing spells with Stoke and Newcastle may have missed out on his career revival back home in Spain. 

Having proved that he can be a reliable goalscorer in LaLiga over recent seasons, he has now returned to a club that he represented towards the beginning of his much-travelled career. 

Ahead of Joselu officially joining Real next week, we examine the deal and what we can expect from the veteran hitman. 

Loan move

Real acted swiftly to sign Joselu, after Karim Benzema left the club to join Al Ittihad. 

With Mariano and Eden Hazard also departing the Bernabeu this summer, Carlo Ancelotti is short of strikers. 

Securing Joselu, makes a lot of sense, with the forward having impressed in LaLiga over the last four seasons. 

During a three-year spell at Alaves, he scored a respectable 36 goals in 113 games for a struggling side who were eventually relegated in 2021-22. 

Staying in the top flight with Espanyol, he was the third-highest goalscorer in LaLiga last season, with only Robert Lewandowski and Benzema ahead of him. 

His 16 goals in 34 games could not prevent the Catalan club from being relegated, but Real have ensured that Joselu remains at the highest level with a one-year loan deal. 

Joselu belatedly won his first caps for Spain this year and scored three goals in four appearances for his country. 

Bernabeu return

This is Joselu's second spell with Los Blancos. He scored 40 goals in 73 games for Castilla and two goals in as many first-team games between 2010 and 2012. 

At his presentation at the Bernabeu, the 33-year-old spoke about his surprise return. 

He said: "Today may be one of the happiest days of my life. I always dreamed of coming back. I am very proud to have the opportunity in this great club. 

"I am not coming to replace anyone. I come to do my bit and enjoy. Everyone knows the level Karim has given. 

"I am a more physical player and I like to be in the area a lot. The experience of being in Premier and LaLiga has made me grow as a footballer. 

"I have been among the best at the national level and I want to convey that here. 

"I come to help and contribute everything I have learned. I'm not the one to say if more people are coming or not. I already want to start. I will be available to the coach." 

Quality alternative

Joselu might be keen for starts, but everything suggests that he has been signed as a back-up. 

The Spanish giants have been linked with strikers such as Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane as a replacement for Benzema. 

Yet even if they do sign such a superstar, Joselu looks like a perfect understudy. 

He has proved himself to be a reliable LaLiga scorer, even with teams that are at the wrong end of the table. 

Real have lacked a suitable replacement for Benzema, often resorting to playing Hazard or Rodrygo out of position, when he was unavailable. 

Regardless of who ends up being the main man up front, Joselu is a quality alternative.