Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur were both linked with moves for Mariano Diaz during the summer transfer window.
Lyon forward Mariano Diaz
Though Mariano had struggled for opportunities for Los Blancos’ first-team, he was simply brilliant for their B team, scoring 27 times in just 33 games during the 2015/16 campaign.
Given that that form did not come in the first-team, Spurs, in particular, would be forgiven for being hesitant as to whether the 24-year-old would be a good target to pursue and potentially have as Harry Kane’s understudy.
Tottenham and the Hoops would miss out however, as Ligue 1 side Lyon ultimately landed the Spanish-born forward. And a look at his form following his switch to France certainly suggests that he could have been a brilliant addition to Mauricio Pochettino’s or Brendan Rodgers’ sides.
Mariano has scored six in his first eight games league games for Lyon to put himself amongst the most prolific goalscorers so far this term.
Harry Kane’s sensational recent form may leave Tottenham feeling that they have not missed out as such, but if the Spurs talisman sustains an injury at any point during the campaign, Pochettino will not have many options available to him.
Meanwhile, Celtic have also had few problems finding the back of the net this season, both domestically and in Europe, but landing someone of Mariano’s potential would have been a major statement from the Hoops that may have had a positive impact on their future transfer business, both in terms of making further signings and keeping the better players they have.
And based on his form so far, it would appear that neither Tottenham or Celtic would have regretted pursuing a deal in the summer when they had a chance.
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