Real sells two talents to England
Fulham has brought in Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid, with both signing five-year contracts with the London club.
Fulham has brought in Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid, with both signing five-year contracts with the London club.
Fulham officially confirmed on Monday, August 4, 2026, the arrival of two young players from Real Madrid. Forward Gonzalo Garcia and midfielder Cesar Palacios have signed five-year contracts with the Premier League club, becoming the first signings under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa, who briefly took charge of Real's first team in January 2026, replacing Xabi Alonso, left Madrid in July to join Fulham. He will now have the opportunity to work with players he knows well from leading the youth and reserve teams of the Spanish giants.
Garcia (22) is a product of Real's academy and has scored 13 goals in 51 appearances for the first team. He won the Champions League and La Liga with Real in 2024. Although the official transfer fee has not been disclosed, British media estimate that Fulham paid around £34 million ($45 million) for him.
Cesar Palacios (21) has also signed a contract that runs until June 2031, with an option for Fulham to extend the deal for an additional year. The midfielder has made seven appearances for Real's first team, debuting in the Copa del Rey against Albacete, and has also featured in the Champions League. Media estimate his transfer value at around £8.5 million.
Fulham will open their new Premier League season on August 24, 2026, with a home match against Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Welsh club Wrexham, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, also plans to strengthen. Former player Lee Trundle told Goal.com that he expects the owners to continue investing.
"I think they will. Last year they did a lot of good business, so they have a good squad. I think they will keep bringing in players," Trundle told Goal.com, adding that Reynolds and McElhenney are willing to spend more than £10 million ($13 million) on a single transfer.
Trundle emphasized the owners' commitment: "If you look at these owners, everything they said they would do, they've delivered. As a fan, that's music to your ears." Wrexham has so far brought in only 23-year-old defender Danny Imray, and they open their Championship season on August 17, 2026, away at Cardiff. The summer transfer window closes on September 1.
