Mariano Diaz could make return to Real Madrid
Real Madrid could sign a well-needed striker before deadline day this Friday as rumours around Mariano Diaz pick up speed. Here’s a look at how it could all go down.
The transfer window in Europe (apart from the Premier League) will be closing at the end of this month which is just three days away. With huge changes made to the squad this summer, fans were expecting big names to come in, not just head out. Several players have been loaned out, but the purchase of a former Real player has eyebrows raising all over Spain.
Diaz joined Los Blancos back in 2012 starting with the U19 side. He then progressed through the Madrid system taking one step up the ladder every year. Mariano would eventually make it to the first team but was not a part of the match selection for most of the season.
When he did get chances though he made sure to take advantage. In just 14 appearances, totalling 302 minutes of game time he scored 5 goals and had 2 assists. His hustle earned him a goal every 60 minutes, which is quite impressive. With not enough playing time he took his talents to Ligue 1 side, Lyon.
Sevilla president Castro: "Madrid had a Mariano buy-back option & they've told us that they are going to exercise it. We don't have anything to ask Madrid because that's Lyon's obligation. No problem, we continue. I'm not annoyed with anything, this is football. I'm not worried."
— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) August 28, 2018
The Spaniard left for France for a mere €8 million to Olympic Lyon where he’s continued his goal scoring triumphs. In the event that rumours are true Madrid will have to cough up €22 million, a fair sum given his time in France. According to Marca, manager Julen Lopotegui has called the forward explaining that he would very much be a part of Madrid’s plan this season.
Oddly enough, Real Madrid isn’t the only team interested in Mariano Diaz. La Liga side Sevilla has also expressed some interest in the player offered a €30 million sum. That was shut down quickly by the clubs president though after a press conference when asked about Mariano. Castro mentioned that Madrid has activated their buy-back clause meaning he will head back to Real.
Mariano seems to be a fan of the idea of coming back to the capital after a tweet he posted earlier this month. Rumours started up about attacker about his return when he responded saying “you can’t say no to Real Madrid…”
Al Real Madrid no se le puede decir que no...😏https://t.co/TM5fkYwfvd
— Mariano Díaz Mejía (@marianodiaz7) August 10, 2018
Next. Six years of Luka Modric at Real Madrid. dark
Having the six-foot attacker back in Madrid will be great for the club. Borja Mayoral hasn’t really looked like the reliable striker that Real needs. His time in France shows that he has what it takes to have a great 10-15 plus goal season, a burden that evidently needs to be covered. The next few days will paint a clearer picture as the window comes to a close.