Fulham have completed the double signing of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid.
Forward, Garcia has joined the Cottagers in a £35.7m transfer deal on a five-year contract until 2031 with a club option to extend for a further year, with Real Madrid receiving a fixed £34m fee whilst there is a further £1.7m in add-ons included.
Real Madrid also has a 30% sell-on clause and matching rights in the event that Garcia is sold during his time at Fulham.
Speaking to FFCtv, Garcia spoke of his happiness to make the move and reunite with Alvaro Arbeloa who was interim first-team manager at Real Madrid earlier this year, and had previously worked with the 22-year-old forward at Under-19s level at the club.
“I’m very grateful, very happy to be here.
“I have to thank the board and Arbeloa for the trust they’ve put in me, and I’m very, very excited to start.”
Vice-Chairman and Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Gonzalo García to Fulham! Gonzalo is a very talented young striker, and he is excited to come to Fulham and play in the Premier League.
“We all believe that Gonzalo will be a tremendous addition to the squad and will prove to be an excellent player for the Club under Álvaro’s leadership!”
Garcia began his career at SEK before he went on to play for Club Santa Barbara, Jarama Race then spent two spells at Real Madrid from 2014-18 then 2019-23, having spent time in between both stints at Mallorca.
graduated through Real Madrid’s youth academy across two spells aft to make his senior debut in November 2023 in a 3-0 victory away to Cadiz in La Liga, and since went on to net 13 goals in 51 appearances for the Meringues.
Palacios meanwhile has joined for £8.5m without any add-on clauses, although Real Madrid have a 30% sell-on clause included in the deal, should Fulham opt to sell him before his five-year contract expires in June 2031 although the Cottagers do hold a club-option to extend his contract for a further year.
In his interview with FFCtv, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder spoke of his pride at making the move and being entrusted by Fulham to play in English football.
“I am very emotional to be here. I believe it is the perfect step in my career.
“The Club is showing a lot of trust in me, and I’m going to show it on the pitch.”
Khan added: “I’m excited to welcome César Palacios to Fulham! César is a hard-working and creative young midfielder, and we believe that he will be a good addition to our squad under Álvaro’s leadership.
“This is an important day as we have signed two exceptional young talents to the team whom we believe will both be part of a bright future for the Club!”
Palacios began his career at Numancia in 2010 before he moved to Real Madrid a decade later where he graduated through their academy to make seven senior appearances last season under Arbeloa.
Garcia and Palacios will wear the number 7 and 8 shirts respectively at Fulham.
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