Real Madrid

Fulham closes in on Gonzalo as Real Madrid hesitate over giving up full rights

The English club is prepared to offer an amount in line with what Madrid is asking, but wants to keep all of the player’s rights.

Ignacio Camacho

Update: Jul 29th, 2026 15:00 EDT

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Fulham is closing in on a deal for Gonzalo, but Real Madrid still isn’t fully convinced. The Premier League club is ready to go above Madrid’s initial asking price — offering around $33 million for 50% of the player’s rights and up to $66 million for a full transfer. Financially, it’s a near‑perfect operation for Madrid, yet the club is reluctant to give up 100% of a 22‑year‑old striker with a promising future.

Gonzalo impresses Mourinho in preseason

Gonzalo began preseason hoping to convince José Mourinho he deserved a spot in the first‑team squad. And he’s done exactly that. During the first week of training at Valdebebas, he stood out enough to catch Mourinho’s eye — even scoring a standout goal in Wednesday’s friendly against Leganés.

But Madrid’s crowded forward line means tough decisions are coming, and Gonzalo’s sale is one of the most financially attractive options on the table.

🙌 @Gonzalo7Garcia_ 🙌 pic.twitter.com/p9zwPEAUkA
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 28, 2026

Madrid wants to keep a stake in his future

Because of his strong attitude and early preseason form, Madrid doesn’t want to lose all control over Gonzalo’s future. The club hoped to strike a deal similar to recent operations involving academy products — like Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramón’s moves to Como, or Brahim Díaz’s earlier transfer to AC Milan — where Madrid sold only 50% of the player’s rights to retain upside on future value.

That remains Madrid’s preferred formula.

🤩 @Gonzalo7Garcia_ 🤩 pic.twitter.com/QLSlXr6k6R
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 23, 2026

Fulham wants him as the centerpiece

Fulham’s commitment, however, is serious. Álvaro Arbeloa — Gonzalo’s biggest supporter during his time coaching Real Madrid Castilla — has identified him as the centerpiece of the Cottagers’ attack. The club wants full ownership of his rights and isn’t worried about having to rebuild its forward line in a year or two if Gonzalo blossoms.

Deal getting closer

Both sides are now much closer in negotiations, and it’s increasingly likely Gonzalo will pack his bags for the Premier League sooner rather than later. The only question left is which formula Madrid will accept.