Real Madrid have confirmed that Mariano Diaz will be leaving the club at the end of the month when his deal comes to an end – a player Leeds have reportedly made an offer to sign, albeit before the club were relegated last Sunday.
Diaz, 29, managed just 11 outings under Carlo Ancelotti during the 2022-23 season – and will now leave the La Liga giants. It comes after spending the last five years at Madrid, his second spell at the club after a year at Ligue 1 Lyon.
Indeed, Diaz is one of those players happy to warm the bench at Madrid – as cover for Karim Benzema. But with the Frenchman in such fine form, Diaz has been made to wait for his game time. With his deal ending, he is now leaving.
Madrid confirmed on Saturday afternoon that Diaz is departing. It will be interesting to see where Mariano ends up next. Spanish outlet Defensa Central claimed towards the end of April that Leeds had made an offer to sign Diaz.
Madrid confirm Mariano Diaz will be leaving, Leeds reportedly made offer
It seems unlikely that despite Leeds making an offer in April, that Leeds have any chance of landing the striker now that the club are in the Championship. It remains to be seen what kind of bids are on the table for Diaz, this summer.
A player Marcelo Bielsa is supposedly said to have wanted at Leeds, there will remain an interest in him. One to keep tabs on, with Leeds needing a striker. Rodrigo is likely to go, especially after the veteran ace was called up by Spain.
Patrick Bamford may have had enough, while Georginio Rutter and Joe Gelhardt are yet to turn potential into proven quality. But Diaz is a Real Madrid player and that will mean his wages are excessive. Perhaps, too much for Leeds.
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