Real Madrid News
Real Madrid striker set to leave the club on a free transfer next summer
Real Madrid went through a major squad overhaul this past summer, with the club offloading a slew of unwanted stars including Gareth Bale, Isco, and Marcelo, while the likes of Luka Jovic and Reinier left the club on loan.
However, in their attempts to further trim the squad and further reduce the wage bill, Real Madrid are actively looking to offload other fringe players in the team.
According to Diario AS (h/t Madrid Zone), one of the players in contention to leave the club is Mariano Diaz. The 29-year-old has fallen behind in the pecking order and has no role in Carlo Ancelotti’s game-plan.
Formerly of Olympique Lyon, he is yet to even feature in a single minute of league football so far this season. His appearance of the season saw him participate only five minutes of the Champions League encounter against RB Leipzig.
Diaz has struggled with game-time at Real Madrid historically as well. He is yet to even feature in a combined total of 2000 minutes of league football ever since returning to Santiago Bernabeu.
With the forward struggling with prominence in the Real Madrid team, the club will not hand him any contract extension. His current deal at the club expires at the end of the season.
Los Blancos are likely to release him in 2023, although they would ideally like to sanction his sale in the upcoming January transfer window. It could help them generate some form of revenue, although it will not come as a surprise to see the club hand the attacker a letter of freedom.
Diaz’s exit from Santiago Bernabeu could be a step in the right direction in the club’s bid to further trim the squad. However, with Karim Benzema nearing the final phase of his career, it is essential for the club to bring in reinforcements in the goalscoring department.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
