Fulham’s decision to sign two players from Real Madrid has once again highlighted the long-running transfer connection between the Spanish giants and Premier League clubs, a pathway that has produced both major success stories and disappointing spells.
Ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, Fulham completed the signings of 22-year-old striker Gonzalo García and 21-year-old attacking midfielder César Palacios from Real Madrid.
According to reports, García joined the London club in a deal worth about £34 million after progressing through Real Madrid’s academy and helping the club win the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga. Palacios arrived for a reported £8.5 million following his rise through the club’s youth system.
Both players will now work again with former Real Madrid academy coach and current Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa at Craven Cottage.
The Premier League website noted that Fulham’s latest recruits continue a transfer route that has brought several high-profile Real Madrid players to England over the last three decades.
Reports linking Vinícius Júnior with a possible move to Arsenal have also fuelled speculation that the Brazilian could become another player to join a Premier League club directly from Real Madrid if such a transfer is completed.
Notable Real Madrid-to-Premier League Transfers
Mesut Özil – Arsenal (2013) The German playmaker joined Arsenal in what was then a club-record signing. During his eight years in north London, Özil became one of the league’s leading creators and helped the Gunners win three FA Cups.
Claude Makelele – Chelsea (2003) Makelele became a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield under José Mourinho, helping the club win two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup while redefining the holding midfield role.
Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal (2021) After struggling for regular opportunities at Real Madrid, Ødegaard joined Arsenal on loan before making the move permanent and later becoming one of the club’s most influential midfielders.
Ángel Di María – Manchester United (2014) United paid a then-British record fee for the Argentine winger, but despite flashes of quality, he spent only one season at Old Trafford before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
James Rodríguez – Everton (2020) The Colombian reunited with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton, bringing significant star appeal, though his time at Goodison Park was inconsistent.
Raphaël Varane – Manchester United (2021) The World Cup-winning defender arrived as one of United’s marquee signings and helped the club win the FA Cup and League Cup, although injuries affected his spell in England.
Casemiro – Manchester United (2022) The Brazilian midfielder became an important figure in United’s domestic cup successes and remained popular with supporters during his time at the club.
Michael Owen – Newcastle United (2005) After one season in Madrid, Owen returned to England in a club-record move to Newcastle, but injuries disrupted his career at St James’ Park.
Rafael van der Vaart – Tottenham Hotspur (2010) Signed on transfer deadline day, the Dutch midfielder quickly became a fan favourite and finished his first Premier League season as Spurs’ top scorer with 13 goals.
Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea (2019) Initially arriving on loan, Kovačić later signed permanently and won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea before moving to Manchester City, where he added Premier League and FA Cup titles.
Iván Campo – Bolton Wanderers (2003) Campo spent six Premier League seasons with Bolton and earned a reputation for his versatility and intelligence in midfield.
Davor Šuker – Arsenal (1999) The 1998 World Cup Golden Boot winner struggled to become a regular at Arsenal and moved on after a single season.
Fernando Morientes – Liverpool (2005) A three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Morientes helped Liverpool win the FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, though he never fully reproduced his form from Spain.
Fulham’s New Additions
Gonzalo García (2026) The Spanish striker signed a five-year contract after scoring 13 goals in 51 senior appearances for Real Madrid and winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.
César Palacios (2026) The attacking midfielder also signed a five-year deal after progressing through Real Madrid’s academy and making several senior appearances.
Their arrival adds another chapter to a transfer relationship that has seen Real Madrid stars experience everything from legendary Premier League success to unfulfilled promise.
