Fulham Signs Two Young Players from Real Madrid

Fulham has made headlines this summer by signing two players from Real Madrid. This move highlights a long history of transfers between the Spanish club and the Premier League. Over the last 30 years, many top players have switched teams, bringing excitement to the league.

From players who helped their new clubs win titles to those whose time in England did not go as planned, these transfers have created some memorable stories. A list released on the EPL website on Tuesday highlighted 13 such players.

As the 2026/27 football season approaches, Fulham has added to their squad by signing 22-year-old striker Gonzalo García and 21-year-old attacking midfielder César Palacios from Real Madrid.

According to Reuters, García joined Fulham for a fee of £34 million. He developed through Real Madrid’s youth academy and played a part in the club's UEFA Champions League and LaLiga victories. Palacios moved for a reported £8.5 million, also coming from the youth ranks of the Spanish club.

The two players will meet again with Álvaro Arbeloa, their former academy coach at Real Madrid, who is now the manager at Fulham.

Meanwhile, there are ongoing reports linking Vinícius Júnior with a move to Arsenal. If the transfer happens, he would be the 16th player to move directly from Real Madrid to a Premier League club, as reported by PUNCH Online.

Notable Transfers from Real Madrid to the Premier League:

1. Mesut Özil, Arsenal (2013)

Arsenal signed the German midfielder in what was then a record deal for the club. Özil became one of the Premier League's top playmakers in his eight years at Arsenal, helping the team win three FA Cups.

1. Claude Makelele, Chelsea (2003)

Makelele changed Chelsea's midfield after his arrival from Real Madrid. The Frenchman was key to José Mourinho's team, helping Chelsea win two Premier League titles and the FA Cup.

1. Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal (2021)

After not making a mark at Real Madrid, the Norwegian player joined Arsenal on loan before signing permanently. He later led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in years and stood out as a top midfielder.

1. Ángel Di María, Manchester United (2014)

Manchester United paid a British record fee for Di María, but he only spent one season at Old Trafford. Despite some good moments, he struggled to settle before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.

1. James Rodríguez, Everton (2020)

The Colombian midfielder joined Everton to work with Carlo Ancelotti again after leaving Real Madrid. Although he brought star quality, his time at Everton was inconsistent before he moved to Qatar.

1. Raphael Varane, Manchester United (2021)

The World Cup winner was one of Manchester United's big signings. Despite facing injuries, Varane helped the club win the FA Cup and League Cup during his time there.

1. Casemiro, Manchester United (2022)

The Brazilian joined United after a successful spell in Spain. He became a key player in their FA Cup and League Cup wins, and fans loved him during his four years with the club.

1. Michael Owen, Newcastle United (2005)

After one season at Real Madrid, Owen made a record transfer back to England with Newcastle. Injuries affected his time there, and he faced relegation before winning the Premier League with Manchester United.

1. Rafael van der Vaart, Tottenham Hotspur (2010)

Tottenham signed the Dutch midfielder on deadline day. He quickly became a fan favorite, finishing as Spurs' top Premier League scorer in his first season with 13 goals.

1. Mateo Kovačić, Chelsea (2019)

Kovačić started at Chelsea on loan and later signed permanently. He won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea before moving to Manchester City, where he added more trophies.

1. Iván Campo, Bolton Wanderers (2003)

Campo joined Bolton after being persuaded by Sam Allardyce. He spent six seasons in the Premier League, earning a reputation as a smart and versatile midfielder.

1. Davor Šuker, Arsenal (1999)

The 1998 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner joined Arsenal with high hopes. However, he struggled to get regular playtime before moving to West Ham after one season.

1. Fernando Morientes, Liverpool (2005)

A three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Morientes helped Liverpool win the FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup but did not recreate his Spanish form during his 18 months at the club.

Fulham's new signings from Real Madrid add to the history of big names coming to England, with outcomes ranging from great success to unfulfilled potential.

Fulham’s New Players:

14. Gonzalo García, a 22-year-old striker who signed a five-year contract with Fulham. He scored 13 goals in 51 senior matches for Real Madrid and won both the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga. Fulham reportedly paid about £34 million for him.

15. César Palacios, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder who also signed for five years. He made several senior appearances for Real Madrid after working through their youth system. His transfer was reportedly worth around £8.5 million.

Both players reunite at Craven Cottage with Álvaro Arbeloa, their coach from Real Madrid's academy.