Premier League strugglers Leeds United have emerged as a potential destination for Mariano Diaz as the seldom-seen striker prepares to leave La Liga giants Real Madrid on a free transfer during the summer window.
Life as a back-up centre-forward is never easy. Especially when the man keeping you out of the starting XI is arguably the finest number nine anywhere in world football. The man with a Ballon D’Or sitting pretty on his mantelpiece.
With Karim Benzema still one of the first names on Carlo Ancelotti’s team sheet even in his mid-30s, Mariano has played just 65 minutes of football in all competitions across 2022/23.
Real Madrid have tried to get Mariano off the wage bill for a number of windows to no avail. With his contract expiring in July, however, the former Lyon loanee – who once inherited Cristiano Ronaldo’s number seven shirt before Eden Hazard snatched it off his back – is destined to finally bring an end to his five-year spell on the Santiago Bernabeu bench.
Will Leeds United or Wolves land Real Madrid’s Mariano Diaz?
Where Mariano ends up next is anyone’s guess.
Madrid-based publication Defensa Central reports that Leeds United are interested. Leeds’ Spanish director Victor Orta has brought Junior Firpo, Rodrigo Moreno and Diego Llorente to Elland Road from Spain’s top flight, with a deal for Barcelona youngster Ilias Akhomach reportedly close.
Mariano has not played regular first-team football since 2017/18, when he scored 21 goals in the colours of Olympique Lyonnais. The 29-year-old’s free-agent status will make him that little bit more alluring to potential suitors, however, especially a Leeds side who were once again made to count the cost for their own profligacy during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with relegation rivals Leicester City.
Mariano, the report adds, earns £75,000-a-week at Real Madrid. Whether Leeds would be willing to match those figures remains to be seen. Madrid neighbours Getafe are also in the mix, but could not stump up even half of Mariano’s current pay packet.
“It’s not that he’s not happy in Madrid,” Mariano’s agent tells Bolavip. “But his contract is running out. (He should join) a team where you can continue to be happy, regardless of whether you play more or less.
“There are many circumstances to take into account. Every three months, we have contact with other teams. In the end he has always been on the market. His profile, characteristics and trajectory are always very appealing.
“We have a chance to go to the Premier League, the Bundesliga, Serie A or other teams.”
Wolves, under the stewardship of Mariano’s former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui, may be another potential destination. Wolverhampton Wanderers recently signed Matheus Cunha but could lose both Diego Costa and Raul Jimenez in the coming months.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
