Real Madrid News
Real Madrid outcast exploring options in various countries as summer exit looms
There are several Real Madrid players who are facing an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the coming summer. But one player who is destined to leave the club is Mariano Diaz.
The forward will see out his contract at the Bernabeu at the end of the season, reports Fabrizio Romano. He will leave the club within the coming weeks.
Romano points out that Diaz has already started looking for potential suitors. He is particularly looking at options across various countries, perhaps hoping to land in one of the emerging and high-paying leagues.
The Asian leagues such as the Saudi Professional Football League or even the Japanese or Chinese leagues have become quite a lucrative destination for footballers lately, as they can earn quite a fortune, compared to the salaries in Europe.
Even Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric was approached by Saudi clubs this summer, offering a lucrative salary. However, whether or not those clubs will be interested in the prospect of signing Diaz remains to be seen.
Formerly of Olympique Lyon, the 29-year-old has really struggled since returning to the Bernabeu in 2018. He has scored only six league goals since his arrival, three of which came during the 2018/19 campaign.
This season, Diaz has featured in 150 minutes of La Liga action, falling behind all the other attacking stalwarts in the packing order. His struggling form, therefore, can be a big deterrent for prospective buyers.
However, all is not done for Diaz just yet. The forward still has a relatively good track record in Europe, notably scoring 21 goals in 48 matches during his time at Lyon. He has also won almost every trophy at Real Madrid. The player will hope this record can help him land a lucrative destination in the coming summer.
As for Real Madrid, they have already kickstarted their efforts to sign a replacement, with an attacker emerging as one of their three priorities heading into the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
