What has happened?

Deportivo La Coruna has confirmed the return of veteran striker Joselu Mato, who has chosen to abandon Sevilla's pursuit and sign again at Riazor. The announcement, published on July 8, 2026, says the player's agent and the club are finalising the last details for the former Al‑Gharafa to be presented before the next window.

Why did Mato choose Deportivo?

Mato, born in Stuttgart and developed at Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid, preferred to go back to the club where he played in 2016/17. At 38, the forward values being close to family and the chance to help the side in its promotion‑winning year. Unlike Getafe and Alavés, which also showed interest, Deportivo's project appealed more.

What does this mean for Sevilla?

Sevilla had seen Mato as a low‑cost option after his exit from Al‑Gharafa. However, the club has already added Jon Guridi, Juan Iglesias and Arouna Sangante on free transfers. Mato's refusal leaves Sevilla without an experienced attacking alternative for this campaign.

What does this mean for Deportivo's promotion push?

Mato's comeback arrives as Deportivo La Coruna sits 2nd in Segunda División with 77 points, after 22 wins, 11 draws and 9 losses from 42 games. The team has scored 65 goals and conceded 44, keeping a +21 goal difference. They are currently 5 points behind leaders Racing Santander. Their last result was a 1‑2 loss to Las Palmas on May 31, 2026, and in the last five matches they have recorded 3 wins and 2 defeats (LLWWW, the two most recent games were losses). Mato's experience could be decisive to reverse the negative streak and close the gap with Racing.

What’s next?

An official announcement of the signing is expected at the club’s next press conference, where president Carlos Mouriño and manager José Luis Martí will outline Mato’s role in the attack. With a record of 18 goals in 49 games during his loan at Real Madrid in 2023/24, the former Spain international will bring leadership and a goal‑scoring instinct in the crucial second half of the season.