Fulham Sign Real Madrid Duo Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios Under Alvaro Arbeloa

Fulham Strengthen Squad with Real Madrid Signings

Fulham have made a strong move in the Premier League transfer market by securing two players from Real Madrid, Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios. Both signings come on five-year contracts, reuniting the new manager Alvaro Arbeloa with his former teammates from Santiago Bernabeu.

Arbeloa Brings Trusted Players to London

The club has tied both players down until the summer of 2031, with an option to extend for an additional year. This double signing is a clear signal of intent from Fulham’s management, supporting Arbeloa's vision to build a competitive side using his connections in Spain. The reported combined fee for the duo is £42.5 million.

Gonzalo Garcia Joins as Proven La Liga Forward

Gonzalo Garcia arrives at Craven Cottage following a breakthrough season with Real Madrid. The forward played 39 games across all competitions in 2025-26 and scored eight goals. His transfer fee is estimated at around £34 million. Upon arrival, Gonzalo shared his excitement about joining Fulham and thanked both the club’s board and Arbeloa for their confidence in him.

"I’m very grateful, very happy to be here. I have to thank the board and Arbeloa for the trust they’ve put in me, and I’m very, very excited to start," Gonzalo said.

Cesar Palacios Adds Creativity to Midfield

At 21 years old, Cesar Palacios is expected to inject creativity into Fulham’s midfield. Though his senior appearances for Madrid were limited to five substitute outings, he impressed with his vision and passing skills, earning a regular spot in Spain’s under-20 squad. Palacios described his move as a significant step forward in his career and expressed eagerness to repay the club’s faith on the pitch.

"I am very emotional to be here. I believe it is the perfect step in my career. The Club is showing a lot of trust in me, and I’m going to show it on the pitch," Palacios stated.

Club Commitment Signals Long-Term Ambitions

This transfer activity clearly reflects Fulham’s long-term plans under Arbeloa. The investment and contract lengths suggest a project focused on sustained growth rather than quick fixes.

"This is an important day as we have signed two exceptional young talents to the team whom we believe will both be part of a bright future for the Club," said Tony Khan, Fulham’s vice chairman and director of football operations.

Upcoming Fixtures

• 7 Aug 2026, 19:00: Fulham vs Crystal Palace (Club Friendlies)
• 8 Aug 2026, 19:00: Ferencvaros vs Real Madrid (Club Friendlies)