Former Newcastle United star earns shock international call-up after hitting goalscoring form

Former Newcastle United striker Joselu has earned a call-up to the Spain squad after hitting a fine run of goalscoring form in La Liga.

The former Celta Vigo frontman endured a difficult time on Tyneside after joining the Magpies in a £5m deal from Stoke City during the first week of the 2017/18 season. After making his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town, Joselu grabbed his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win against West Ham United before the end of his first month at St James Park.

However, inconsistent form and playing in a United side that created few chances meant scored just seven goals in 52 appearances prior to his departure to Alaves in a £2.5m deal during the summer of 2019. However, there was genuine sadness from the player following his exit as he tweeted: Dear Newcastle United Fans, the time has come to say goodbye. I just can say THANK YOU. Incredible Stadium, city, Club and people. Wish you all the best for the upcoming season.”

A return to Spanish football brought a change in fortunes as the striker scored 36 goals and provided 11 assists across the following two seasons before swapping life at the Mendizorrotza Stadium for La Liga rivals Espanyol last summer.

His form has been spectacular, and with 12 league goals so far this season only Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski and Getafe’s Enes Unal sits ahead of Joselu in La Liga’s goalscoring charts and his form has now earned international recognition after he was surprisingly named in the Spain squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Norway and Scotland later this month.

Joselu is not the only former Magpies in Luis de la Fuente’s first Spain squad after Mikel Merino was also named in the 26-man selection.