Real Madrid have reportedly agreed to sell Gonzalo García and César Palacios to Fulham for a combined $57.4 million (€50 million). Both players faced limited opportunities at the Bernabéu next season and are keen to reunite with Álvaro Arbeloa at Craven Cottage.
The Athletic reports that Fulham will pay $46.1 million (€40 million) for Gonzalo and $11.5 million (€10 million) for Palacios. Real Madrid will retain a 30% sell-on clause for each player.
Arbeloa coached both players in Real Madrid’s youth system and later worked with them in the first team after replacing Xabi Alonso. They would become Fulham’s first two new arrivals this summer, while Swedish forward Jonah Kusi-Asare has also joined permanently following last season’s loan from Bayern Munich.
Gonzalo García Faced a Crowded Real Madrid Attack
European clubs had tracked Gonzalo since his breakout Club World Cup campaign last summer, but Real Madrid initially resisted selling a striker who had drawn comparisons with Raúl.
His opportunities remained restricted under Alonso and Arbeloa. Gonzalo started nine La Liga games and was not the preferred replacement for the injured Kylian Mbappé during the latter part of 2025–26, when Brahim Díaz instead played alongside Vinícius Júnior in attack.
Despite the limited minutes, the Castilla graduate scored eight goals in his debut first-team campaign, including six in La Liga. He displayed clinical finishing, intelligent positioning and a high work rate when selected, although those chances came before Endrick returned to the squad.
Endrick is back at the Bernabéu and has taken the No. 9 shirt after a successful loan spell at Lyon. The Brazilian recorded eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances for the French club and is positioned to serve as Mbappé’s backup under José Mourinho next season.
Keeping the 22-year-old Gonzalo as Real Madrid’s third-choice striker became difficult to justify once Fulham offered $46.1 million. The move would give him regular playing time under a manager he already knows and trusts.
Transfer Raises Questions About Real Madrid’s No. 9 Options
The sale would also generate funds amid reports that Real Madrid are preparing to sign Yan Diomande for a club-record $153.8 million (€135 million).
However, the decision carries some long-term risk after Los Blancos struggled for goals last season despite the attacking quality of Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. During 2026, Real Madrid scored more than two goals in only eight of their 31 matches.
The team often lacked a natural No. 9 capable of attacking Trent Alexander-Arnold’s crosses and making direct runs into the penalty area. Vinícius Jr frequently faced several defenders on the left while Mbappé operated around the top of the box.
Endrick can lead the line from the bench when Mourinho’s side needs a late goal, but he does not provide the same strength and physical presence as Gonzalo. The 15-time European champions could therefore return to the market for an experienced central striker as they continue searching for the qualities missing since Joselu left.