Manchester City are reportedly fearful of losing another one of their academy gems, with Brahim Diaz the subject of interest from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester City wonderkid Brahim Diaz. The youngster has been linked with an array of clubs in the recent past. And according to Evening Standard, the Citizens are desperate to avoid a Jadon Sancho situation with the midfielder.
Brahim Diaz has always been tipped for greatness by the academy coaches at Manchester City. The youngster, along with Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, was touted to be the great hope of the academy in order to prove they can produce quality stars for the first-team.
Diaz, to a certain extent, has started living up to the billing. The youngster made 10 senior appearances last season in what was a title-winning campaign for Manchester City. The Citizens wanted to ship Diaz out on loan to Girona to provide him regular football for the upcoming season.
The 19-year-old though, put his foot down, rejecting the offer to go on loan in order to fight for places within Pep Guardiola’s setup. While this is a bold step indeed, it could turn sour quickly, if Diaz is not given an opportunity or a look-in by the manager.
The prospect does look daunting, with Manchester City adding to the attack with a deal for Riyad Mahrez. Diaz has just one appearance this season, in the Community Shield win over Chelsea. But, that does not get much significance, mainly because most of the stars were unavailable.
Manchester City will have to be wary, with Brahim Diaz having less than a year on his contract. There is a long line of clubs following the 19-year-old as well, none bigger than Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have been chasing Brahim Diaz for almost a year now. The former Malaga youth product has been a prospect that is of interest to Florentino Perez, who is looking to build a squad capable of dominating the European scene for the coming decade or so.
City are in a precarious position. Jadon Sancho has found success after leaving while Bobby Duncan also chose to exit the academy setup and join Liverpool. Manchester City have built a brilliant youth setup. But, what is missing is the definitive path to the first-team.
The young gems have started becoming frustrated and taking up chances to leave, especially with other clubs of a similar stature prepared to provide them with better opportunities without any barrier. Real Madrid will be hoping City fail in their bid to convince Brahim Diaz to commit to a new deal.
