The agent of Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz has been quoted by TuttoMercatoWeb as saying that his client wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer – just a few months after Marcelo Bielsa told Leeds to sign him.
Diaz, 28, managed just 11 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti during 2021-22 – scoring one goal. Those 11 outings culminated in a measly total of just 397 minutes of football for the Spain-born striker.
The striker started off at Madrid but joined Lyon in 2017 – after just 10 appearances for Madrid’s senior side. He starred in France, scoring 21 goals during 2017-18. He returned to Madrid a season later, for £33million (Sky).
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But in the next four years, he has played just 62 times. Diaz is now keen to join a side where he will get regular game time. Back in January, reports from 90Min claimed that Bielsa urged Leeds to sign the striker.
Diaz remained at Madrid but is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with Ancelotti’s side. His agent has been quoted by TMW as saying that he wants to leave the club, if the destination suits him.
“The player’s intention is to leave as long as there is an option that satisfies him. We are trying to find a team that he likes. He still has a contract. We’ll see how it ends, for now I don’t know what will happen.”
Diaz wants to leave Madrid: Bielsa told Leeds to sign him in January
It makes sense, even after Bielsa’s era. Leeds need a striker to act as cover and competition for Patrick Bamford, with the England international injured for the majority of the 2021-22 campaign at Elland Road.
Joe Gelhardt has been excellent. The dilemma facing Leeds is that they need another body up top, but bringing in a striker could dent his progression. However, a striker that can also play out wide might be ideal. Diaz is perfect.
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