Paris Saint-Germain signs Jese from Real Madrid
For the first time in a decade, Spanish attacker Jese Rodriguez will ply his trade somewhere other than Real Madrid after agreeing to a five-year deal with four-time reigning Ligue 1 champ Paris Saint-Germain.
Real announced the move Friday with a statement on its website, confirming the speculation that had surfaced earlier last week. Neither club disclosed the fee for the 23-year-old, though ESPN FC reports the fee in the area of €25 million.
Jese, who joined Los Blancos' famed academy in 2007 from Canary Islands side Huracan, progressed from the youth setup to Real Madrid B in 2011 before notching his maiden first-team appearance under former gaffer Jose Mourinho.
"The club wants to show its appreciation for the years of dedication and professionalism from the quarry to the first team and wishes him luck in his new career," a statement on Real's website announced Monday.
Languishing behind Real's competent three-prong attack of Ronaldo, Bale, and Benzema, Jese struggled to find playing time at the Bernabeu. The 2015-16 campaign marked Jese's most productive with the club, making 28 league appearances under Zidane, with just eight as a starter paired with five goals and six assists.
With fellow Spaniard Unai Emery at the PSG helm after three successive Europa League titles with Sevilla, the Ligue 1 giant has enjoyed a summer of flux as it puts the Laurent Blanc tenure in the rearview.
Grzegorz Krychowiak, Giovani Lo Celso, Thomas Meunier, and Hatem Ben Arfa join Jese as a five-pack of marquee signings, as Emery looks to finally give PSG the continental honours that Blanc could not in failing to advance beyond the quarters in each of the last four Champions League campaigns.
Speaking with reporters upon his arrival at the club, Jese was elated for the opportunity to play consistent first-team football.
"Thank you for having me here, I am very happy to be there. I will do everything to win the title over here," Jese offered.
"I can play four offensive positions and am available to the coach and will give my everything."