Since leaving Tyneside back in the summer of 2019 to join Alaves, Joselu has really found his feet. In his first season (2019/20) the Spaniard bagged 11 goals and 2 assists, the season after he once again scored 11 goals but with 3 assists this time.
Thus far the 2021/22 season has been a real success for the striker. So far he already has 8 goals and an assist to his name, making him the joint 4th top scorer in La Liga. Should he continue this fine form in the Spanish top flight, he may well have his finest season yet.
From flop to record breaker
The Magpies signed Joselu from Stoke City in the summer of 2017 for a fee of £5m. That season Joselu found it hard to string together consistent form, much like many of the other Newcastle strikers at the time. In his first season, he finished the 2017/18 campaign with 4 goals and an assist.
Unfortunately for the forward, his second and last season didn’t fare any better. Joselu fizzled out of the side as the season progressed and he only managed to score 2 goals. From his Premier League appearances with both the Magpies and Stoke, more than half of his goals came from his time on Tyneside.
Joselu was a player who you felt gave his all for the club, but just wasn’t the consistent goalscorer the club needed. Ex-boss Rafa Benitez was often given a tight budget, therefore the club had to settle for the likes of him.
However, since his move to Alaves, he’s been a man reborn. The club has been in fighting for survival in La Liga, but Joselu has been an important player for them. The 31-year-old is their main source of goals since he arrived and last summer was attracting interest.
Last summer the Spanish striker was linked with an £18m move to Sevilla. However, he ended up staying with Alaves and with his contributions this season, his side will be happy with the outcome.
Last weekend was a significant one for Joselu. Whilst Alaves only picked up a point against second-bottom Getafe, the Spaniard’s late equaliser saw him break a record for the club.
The strike was his 30th league goal and now makes him Alaves’ all-time top La Liga scorer. Javi Moreno held the record previously with 29 goals, playing for them from 1998 to 2001.
Alaves certianly got their money’s worth
The Toon Army sold Joselu for only £2.5m, which was half of what they paid for him. You have to say that’s a bargain considering he now has 30 La Liga goals so far.
From his time at Newcastle, it was clear that the style of the Premier League wasn’t for him. Spain’s top-flight is clearly where he thrives and benefits his play-style.
Going back for him wouldn’t really make sense. The Magpies have a much bigger budget these days and as previously stated he isn’t suited to the Premier League.