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Real Madrid have reportedly reached an agreement to offload reserve striker Gonzalo García and Castilla talent César Palacios to Fulham in a combined deal worth $57.4 million (€50 million).
The pair, who were always likely to find first-team opportunities scarce at the Bernabéu next season, are set to link up once again with former coach Álvaro Arbeloa at Craven Cottage. The Spaniard previously worked with both Palacios and Gonzalo through Real Madrid's academy and later when he stepped in to manage the senior side following Xabi Alonso's exit.
The Athletic reports that the agreed deals value Gonzalo at $46.1 million (€40 million) and Palacios at $11.5 million (€10 million). Both transfers also include a 30% sell-on clause.
The two players are said to be "eager" to follow their former manager into the Premier League, where they would become Fulham's first two signings of the summer. Swedish attacker Jonah Kusi-Asare also made his move permanent after spending last season on loan from Bayern Munich.
Why Real Madrid Are Suddenly Willing to Sell Gonzalo
European clubs had been monitoring Gonzalo since his standout performance at the Club World Cup last summer, but Real Madrid were reluctant to sell the No. 9 who had drawn comparisons to club icon Raúl.
However, both Alonso and Arbeloa kept Gonzalo's appearances to a minimum last season. The striker started only nine La Liga matches and was not even the preferred option to fill in for the injured Kylian Mbappé in the second half of 2025–26; Brahim Díaz instead led the line alongside Vinícius Júnior, leaving Gonzalo largely warming the bench.
Despite limited opportunities, the Castilla product still managed eight goals last season, six of them in La Liga. He consistently demonstrated sharp finishing and intelligent movement, along with tireless pressing when called upon—yet chances were scarce, and that was even before factoring in Endrick's return.
The Brazilian youngster is now back at the Bernabéu, wearing the coveted No. 9 shirt following an impressive loan spell at Lyon. Endrick contributed eight goals and eight assists in 21 outings for the French club and is expected to serve as Mbappé's deputy next season under José Mourinho.
Retaining Gonzalo as the third-choice striker no longer made strategic sense for Los Blancos, particularly with Fulham prepared to pay $46.1 million for his services.
Will Real Madrid Regret Letting Gonzalo Go?
The move appears logical on the surface, particularly given that Gonzalo is just 22 years old and eager to secure regular playing time under a manager he is familiar with. The sale also helps Real Madrid generate funds amid reports of Yan Diomande joining for a club-record $153.8 million (€135 million).
In the longer term, however, Los Blancos may come to regret parting with Gonzalo. Despite the exploits of Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., the team struggled in front of goal last season. In 2026, Real Madrid scored more than two goals in just eight of their 31 matches.
The side sorely lacked a genuine No. 9 to attack Trent Alexander-Arnold's deliveries or make incisive runs in behind. Real Madrid's attacking play was frustratingly predictable, with Vinícius Jr. taking on defenders down the left and Mbappé too frequently lurking around the edge of the box.
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Endrick will now be on hand to come off the bench and lead the attack when Mourinho's team needs a late breakthrough, but the Brazil international lacks the physical presence and strength that Gonzalo offers.
It would come as little surprise if the 15-time European champions returned to the transfer market in search of an experienced, out-and-out No. 9 to address the issues that have persisted since Joselu's departure.