Real Madrid News
Real Madrid misfit set to stay as no takers emerge despite club’s €0 transfer fee demand
Four years ago, Real Madrid officially announced that they had re-signed Mariano Diaz from Olympique Lyon to bolster their squad. He was handed Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous No. 7 shirt and was thought to be the future of Los Blancos’ forward line.
Fast forward to 2022 and the player’s situation is dreadful. The club are desperately trying to sell the 29-year-old but have not seen any light at the end of the tunnel.
According to reports from MARCA, Real Madrid were even open to allowing the player to leave for free. Mariano was also inclined towards a departure, but no clubs were interested in his services despite the €0 price tag.
Now, his departure from the club seems impossible this summer and the forward will stay at Real Madrid for the coming season.
Last season, the 29-year-old centre-forward only played nine La Liga games for the club with a total game time of 350 minutes. In that duration, he scored one goal and provided one assist.
It is clear that Carlo Ancelotti does not count on the former Lyon forward as he has not seen a single minute so far this season. A departure would be the best solution for all parties involved, but that is no longer a possibility.
Mariano signed a five-year contract with Los Blancos when he returned to the club in 2018 and it ends next June when he will be a free agent.
With no club willing to sign the player, it is increasingly possible that Mariano’s story at Real Madrid ends with the expiration of his contract in 2023, meaning the club will be unable to recover any of the €23 million they spent on his arrival.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
