Fulham capture two Real Madrid players in one day as César Palacios and Gonzalo head to London

Fulham has officially announced the signing of César Palacios, the 21‑year‑old Real Madrid academy standout from Soria, completing a move that accelerated in recent days after AS broke the story.

Álvaro Arbeloa pushed hard for the transfer, urging Fulham’s sporting department to do everything possible to bring in the young attacker — and negotiations ultimately landed in a sweet spot for all parties. The deal closes at about $11 million, with Fulham acquiring 70% of his rights, ensuring Real Madrid maintains long‑term influence over his career.

Arbeloa’s pull proves decisive

The transfer wasn’t straightforward. Palacios had been leaning toward joining Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, but Arbeloa’s presence on the Fulham bench tipped the scales.

From the start, the fee was expected to fall between $7 million and $11 million, and Madrid was never willing to sell 100% of his rights. It’s another smart move for the club: a solid payday for a homegrown talent while keeping him firmly within their future plans.

A Castilla leader with first‑team experience

Palacios was one of the standout players at Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team. Arbeloa himself handed him his first‑team debut in his very first match as Madrid’s coach — a Copa del Rey tie against Albacete. Palacios went on to make six more appearances, including a Champions League debut against Benfica.

A Premier League leap forward

His arrival in the Premier League marks a major step in his development. Fulham secures a winger Arbeloa trusts completely — someone he knows inside and out — and Palacios gains a platform to grow in one of the world’s most demanding leagues. It’s a win across the board: Fulham gets a high‑upside attacker, Real Madrid keeps him in their orbit, and Palacios takes a significant leap in his career.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.