It has been reported by El Nacional that Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz might be on his way out during the January transfer window, with Premier League club Leeds United reportedly planning an offer to buy him. Mariano is now serving his second stint as a member of the Real Madrid squad. The striker joined Los Blancos from his childhood club CF Badalona in 2011 and has since played for the club’s C team as well as the Castilla side, as well as making several appearances for the main squad. Olympique Lyon signed him after he was released by the club in the summer of 2017.
The impressive performance of Mariano in his first season in France persuaded the Spanish club Real Madrid to re-sign him in 2018 and even give him the No. 7 shirt when Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club. With Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic well above him in the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 28-year-old has failed to obtain substantial playing time during his second term at the club thus far.
Mariano is suffering from a lack of game time at the Santiago Bernabeu
The center-forward has only made one appearance thus far in the current season. Real Madrid is willing to sell in the January transfer window, and Leeds United has shown a serious interest in acquiring him during the January transfer window.
The Whites have struggled in the absence of Patrick Bamford due to injury this season, with the likes of Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts unable to produce in front of goal regularly. Even though Joe Gelhardt has shown a great deal of potential, he still needs experience at the top level of competition. To provide backup for Bamford in the No. 9 position, it makes a lot of sense to bring in another experienced striker in January.
Leeds United do need a backup number 9 to provide competition
To do this, Leeds United has been connected to many candidates, including Mariano. The Yorkshire-based club is prepared to move on their interest in the Real Madrid player by making a formal bid for his services, according to reports.
According to the article, if a suitable bid comes in for the Spanish capital club in January, they are unlikely to put up any obstacles to the sale. It is also said that Leeds United thinks that an offer of about €20 million might be sufficient to secure the acquisition of the 28-year-old striker.
It remains to be seen if they will proceed with an offer for the Real Madrid striker next month or whether they will look at other possibilities such as FC Basel’s Arthur Cabral.
