Fulham agree £34m fee with Real Madrid for Gonzalo García, deal for César Palacios also close – sources

In a significant move, Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Fulham for the transfer of forward Gonzalo García to the Premier League side, according to ESPN sources. Additionally, midfielder César Palacios is also on the verge of joining the London club.

Gonzalo García, only 22, made his debut for Spain this year and is regarded as one of LaLiga’s most promising talents. He first caught the eye during last summer’s Club World Cup, where he showcased his potential. César Palacios, aged 21, is a recognized Spain youth international and has also impressed scouts.

Managerial Trust

Both players are highly valued by Fulham’s head coach, Álvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa took over the managerial role at Craven Cottage this summer after a brief stint as a first-team coach at the Bernabéu. His familiarity with both García and Palacios from their time together at Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s youth team, adds an extra layer of confidence in their potential contributions to Fulham.

Fulham will pay a fee of €40 million (£34m/$46m) for García, and Real Madrid is now contemplating signing another forward to fill the void. Last season, García scored six goals in 952 LaLiga minutes. His playtime was limited thanks to the prolific form of Kylian Mbappé. He also netted four goals at the 2025 Club World Cup.

Future Plans

With the transfer window still open, Fulham is keen to strengthen their squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This upcoming tournament has added urgency for clubs looking to bolster their rosters with fresh talent.