Real Madrid loanee wanted by his current club permanently

Real Madrid have been frustrated by a couple of their loan situations in 2020-2021, but there’s one man quietly posting the best season of his career.

Takefusa Kubo and Reinier Jesus could be headed for new loan deals this January, though it will be difficult for Real Madrid to cancel their current agreements with Villarreal and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. They can, however, be very pleased with another attacker’s progress on loan this season, as Brahim Diaz is playing a key role for Serie A leaders Milan.

The Rossoneri have been resurgent this season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 10 goals in Serie A, Hakan Calhanoglu is creating great chances, former Madrid man Theo Hernandez continues to be a crucial starter, and current Madrid man Brahim has helped with a goal and an assist in Serie A.

Brahim signed with Milan on loan this summer, and while Real Madrid thankfully resisted the inclusion of an option to buy in his deal, the Serie A side seem to be ready to negotiate his permanent transfer upon the conclusion of the 2020-2021 season.

According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Milan’s sporting director Frederic Massara told DAZN that they are pleased with Brahim’s start to life in Milan and want to meet with Real Madrid in the winter transfer window to discuss the 21-year-old’s future.

Brahim has fit Milan perfectly. His work rate when pressing, close control, finishing quality, and two-footed ability have been real assets to the Rossoneri’s resurgent attack. He is a nice complementary piece for Zlatan, and he and Rafael Leao give Milan two of the most exciting young forwards in Serie A.

Furthermore, Brahim has been even better in the Europa League. He is leading Milan with two goals in the competition, and WhoScored.com credits him with 1.3 key passes per game and 1.8 dribbles completed per game.

Real Madrid could still have use for Brahim, because those same traits would be needed in Madrid. The problem is that Real may not be able to guarantee Brahim as many minutes as Milan can. Brahim hasn’t been a regular starter at Milan in Serie A this season, but he has played much more for them than he did for Los Blancos. That’s an obvious statement, but it’s a reminder of just how difficult it is for Brahim to get minutes with Los Blancos.

The key will be the asking price. Real still value Brahim and should do everything they can to keep him. But if he likes Milan and wants to stay in Serie A, then it will be imperative for Los Blancos to get exactly what the talented forward is worth.