Garcia leaves Al-Kuwait for Fulham

Real Madrid and Fulham announced yesterday the transfer of striker Gonzalo Garcia, 22, from the 15-time European champions, where he progressed through the youth ranks, to the London side managed by former Los Blancos coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

The striker’s move follows the best season of his professional career, during which he scored eight goals for Los Merengues, including six in La Liga, most notably a hat-trick against Real Betis in January.

He signed a contract with Fulham until 2031, with an option to extend for an additional year. Spanish media reported that the deal is valued at around 40 million euros, with Real Madrid retaining a 30% stake in the player’s rights.

Fulham appointed Arbeloa as head coach this summer, after he had spent half a season in charge of the Spanish capital club and has known Garcia well since his formative years in the club’s academy.

Also joining Fulham is young attacking midfielder Cesar Palacios, 21, who arrives from Real Madrid, noting that Arbeloa had previously given him his La Liga debut in recent months.