Joselu Mato remains a free agent on the transfer market as the 36-year-old striker evaluates his next career step following the conclusion of his stint with Al-Gharafa, with FC Porto officially ruling out his acquisition despite his availability on a free transfer, according to sports journalist Diego Picó.
The veteran forward’s future has generated considerable interest since his departure from Qatari club Al-Gharafa. As an unattached player who requires no transfer fee, Joselu represents an experienced option for clubs seeking immediate center-forward depth. However, Porto dismissed the possibility of signing the Spanish international, leaving him to weigh alternative proposals for the upcoming campaign.
LaLiga Options and the Deportivo de La Coruña Link
A return to LaLiga EA Sports has emerged as a primary avenue for the former Real Madrid and Espanyol goalscorer. Over recent weeks, clubs including Sevilla, Betis, Getafe, and Alavés have experienced varying degrees of linkage to the forward. Among those suitors, Deportivo de La Coruña sustained the most substantial dialogue regarding a potential homecoming.
Discussions between Deportivo and the player advanced to a promising stage, with Joselu viewing a return to Riazor favorably. Having previously worn the blue and white stripes, the forward found the prospect of aiding the Galician club upon its return to Spain’s top flight an attractive challenge. Yet, that momentum has slowed considerably during the ongoing transfer window.
Squad Remodeling Shifts Deportivo’s Priorities
Deportivo’s aggressive squad overhaul has altered the club’s immediate needs. The acquisition of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang significantly reduced the likelihood that the Galician side would pursue reinforcement at the position, temporarily cooling negotiations.
Despite the current deceleration in talks, the personal desire of the player to return to A Coruña leaves a narrow pathway open.
Evaluating the Market for a Proven Veteran
At 36 years of age, Joselu enters the market carrying a wealth of top-flight experience.
Because he commands no transfer fee, interested sporting directors can negotiate terms directly without factoring amortized acquisition costs into club ledgers. With Porto out of the running and Deportivo’s immediate focus centered elsewhere, the forward continues his search for a project capable of extending his professional career.
Worth a look
