Real to let Diaz duo go

Real Madrid are set to allow Mariano and Brahim Diaz leave the Santiago Bernabeu in January, according to Marca.

Mariano arrived in 2018 from Olympique Lyon for just over €21 million to provide cover and a potential long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, but he has so far failed to justify the money invested in him. He hasn’t played at all this season and head coach Zinedine Zidane has no place for him in his plans. Real are therefore willing to part with the 26-year-old permanently.

On the other hand, Brahim Diaz came in from Manchester City for €17 million as a young prospect for a future midfield look, but his time seems to be a long way off yet. Unlike Mariano, he is in Zidane’s thoughts, but the competition for his position is too strong at the moment. The club will therefore encourage him to leave on loan in January, to find a temporary home somewhere else and join a side where he would feature regularly for the first team.