At the end of May and the start of June, Real Madrid focused heavily on incoming transfers. They signed Dean Huijsen and appointed Xabi Alonso as the new coach.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also arrived from Liverpool for £10 million - more than the club initially wanted to pay. Since then, there have been only a couple of further signings.
Franco Mastantuono joined shortly before the Club World Cup, while Álvaro Carreras signed just after the tournament ended. Since then, the focus has shifted to outgoings and contract extensions.
A few players have left Castilla for greener pastures, with more departures rumoured, while several players have also signed new contracts.
The latest is Brahim Díaz, who will remain a Real Madrid player for the next five years.
The agreement is already in place, according to a report from MARCA. He has also rejected offers from other clubs in the process.
Brahim rejected two clubs that would have probably given him a starting spot
The report states that Fenerbahce tried to sign him earlier this summer, while Benfica made a recent inquiry - both approaches were turned down by the player.
From both the player’s and the club’s side, it has been clear that the relationship should continue.
What makes it even better is that Brahim probably would have had a starting role at both Benfica and Fenerbahce, but he turned them down to remain a crucial squad player, as he seems to be happy with his role.
He has been impactful in that role, often used in tight games to unlock defences.
Brahim still needs to work on parts of his game, such as not holding onto the ball for too long and making the right final pass.
However, even during the Club World Cup, it was clear he was improving under Xabi Alonso in their short time together before the season began.
There is excitement about what more he can offer over the coming years.
Hopefully, Brahim Díaz continues to grow as a player, remains a key squad option, and stays at the club for as long as he remains valuable.
With a season as long as the last one, it was made clear in the worst way possible that Real Madrid always need brilliant squad players like Brahim Diaz, and he will once again be crucial for the club - there is no doubt about it.