Gonzalo Garcia set for Fulham in Real Madrid mega deal
Real Madrid have agreed to sell Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham, with reports putting the fee at about €40 million for 70% of his rights or near €70 million overall. Fulham have also agreed terms for academy product César Palacios for €8–10 million for 70% of his rights, under manager Álvaro Arbeloa. The Premier League move answers the summer’s big question: where the Madrid forward would find regular minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Gonzalo Garcia is heading to Fulham after Real Madrid and the London club struck a transfer agreement.
- Spanish reports differ on the headline fee: MARCA cites about €40m for 70% of his rights; COPE and SPORT put the deal near €70m, with Madrid keeping a preferential buyback option.
- Fulham are also closing in on César Palacios for roughly €8–10m for 70% of his rights.
- Arbeloa previously coached both players and made Gonzalo a priority signing.
- Madrid continue cashing in on La Fábrica talent after recent academy sales.
How much is Fulham paying for Gonzalo Garcia?
According to MARCA, Fulham will pay about €40 million for 70% of Gonzalo Garcia’s economic rights, with the deal described as fully agreed.
COPE and SPORT, citing Cadena COPE, report a package nearer €70 million and say Real Madrid retain a preferential option to buy the forward back later. SPORT notes that a €70m sale would rank among Madrid’s most expensive departures, level with Casemiro’s move to Manchester United in 2023.
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Why is Real Madrid selling Gonzalo Garcia now?
Gonzalo Garcia had already signaled openness to leaving for a project with more playing time. MARCA reports that José Mourinho was impressed by his qualities, yet minutes looked scarce after the arrival of Yan Diomande and Endrick’s return from Lyon, alongside Rodrygo, Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinícius and Valverde.
SPORT says Madrid were open to a sale with Mbappé and Endrick occupying his position, provided they kept some control over his future. Fulham wanted more of the player, viewing the 22-year-old as a No. 9 with upside.
Last season he made 39 first-team appearances, scored eight goals and added three assists, per COPE and SPORT. Under Arbeloa at Castilla in 2024/25 he scored 25 goals in 36 Primera Federación matches. Reuniting with Arbeloa will be their third recent spell together; at Fulham he is expected to compete with Rodrigo Muniz.
What about César Palacios in the same deal?
MARCA and SPORT say Madrid and Fulham have also agreed terms for César Palacios, another academy player Arbeloa likes. The English club will pay about €8–10 million for 70% of his rights. MARCA adds that small details remain and should be finalized in the coming hours, while Gonzalo’s agreement is complete.
SPORT identifies Palacios as a 21-year-old from Soria who debuted under Arbeloa, played seven first-team games (about 100 minutes) last season, and produced a strong Castilla campaign. MARCA notes he decided it was time to leave Castilla after a productive Primera RFEF season. Together, MARCA estimates the two exits put around €50 million into Madrid’s coffers on the 70% structures reported.
The double move fits Madrid’s recent academy sales drive—Nico Paz’s €60m exit to Como among them—while giving Arbeloa familiar faces for his Premier League project.