Sevilla could be preparing a summer move for veteran striker Joselu Mato, with the 36-year-old forward reportedly open to returning to LaLiga after two seasons in Qatar. Multiple Spanish outlets have confirmed that Sevilla Sporting Director Antonio Cordon has identified Joselu as a potential target to address the club’s ongoing struggles in front of goal this season.
The interest comes as Sevilla battles to avoid relegation from LaLiga EA Sports, with their offensive output identified as a key area needing improvement. Joselu, who spent the 2023-24 season at Real Madrid on loan from Espanyol, helped Los Blancos secure both the LaLiga and Champions League titles during his lone campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.
His time at Real Madrid included an iconic brace in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, a performance that cemented his status as a cult hero among the Madrid faithful despite limited playing time. After that successful season, Joselu accepted a lucrative offer from Al-Gharafa in Qatar, where he has made 57 appearances over the past two seasons, scoring 27 goals and providing five assists.
According to recent reports, Joselu is not planning to renew his contract with Al-Gharafa, which expires on June 30, 2026. This will make him a free agent this summer, allowing him to negotiate with other clubs without a transfer fee. Sevilla have been monitoring his situation closely, though they have made it clear that any move for Joselu will only be pursued if they secure mathematical survival in LaLiga before the summer transfer window opens.
This season with Al-Gharafa, Joselu has contributed nine goals and two assists in 22 appearances. While those numbers reflect a decline from his peak years in Spain, Sevilla believe his experience and proven track record in LaLiga could provide the leadership and goal threat they lack in their current squad.
Joselu’s career path has taken him through several LaLiga clubs before his Qatar move. He began his Spanish top-flight journey with Deportivo Alavés, where he played three seasons after returning from a stint in the Premier League with Newcastle United. He then had spells at Espanyol and Deportivo de la Coruña before his move to Germany and England, which included time at Stoke City.
His return to Spain in 2023 came via a loan move to Real Madrid from Espanyol, where he had previously enjoyed a productive spell. During his time at the Bernabeu, Joselu played a role in the team’s domestic and European success, scoring crucial goals in both LaLiga and Champions League matches.
Internationally, Joselu has represented Spain at the senior level, winning both the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament and the UEFA Nations League in 2023. These honors, combined with his club success at Real Madrid, give him a rare pedigree among Spanish forwards of his generation.
Sevilla’s interest in Joselu is part of a broader summer rebuilding plan that as well includes targeting Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Conde. The 27-year-old shot-stopper joined Villarreal in 2024 from Leganes for a reported €4 million but has fallen behind in the pecking order following the arrival of Arnau Tenas last summer. Conde has three years remaining on his contract with Villarreal and has been linked with a move to Sevilla as part of their goalkeeping overhaul.
Currently, Sevilla have been relying on Odysseas Vlachodimos in goal, with the Greek international impressing since his arrival. However, the club appears to be evaluating multiple options for both attacking and defensive reinforcement ahead of what could be a pivotal summer in their bid to re-establish themselves as a mid-table LaLiga side.
For Joselu, a return to LaLiga would represent a familiar challenge after two years adapting to life in Qatar. The Al-Gharafa experience has been financially rewarding but competitively different from the demands of European football. At 36, he would be joining an increasing trend of veteran players returning to Spain’s top league for one final chapter, similar to recent moves by players like Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas.
The final decision on Joselu’s future will likely depend on several factors: Sevilla’s success in avoiding relegation, the player’s personal preference for returning to Europe, and any competing offers he may receive from other LaLiga clubs or teams abroad. As of now, no official offers have been tabled, and all discussions remain in the exploratory phase.
Sevilla’s next priority is securing their LaLiga status for the 2026-27 season, with several crucial matches remaining in the current campaign. Only after mathematical safety is confirmed will the club start to formalize their summer transfer plans, including any potential pursuit of Joselu Mato.
Archysport will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available from official club sources and verified reports.
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