Manchester City are already working on their next project and Enzo Maresca is said to have a name circled in red to strengthen their attack.
Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz has re-emerged on City’s radar as a highly attractive option due to his talent, dribbling skills, versatility and familiarity with the club.
The Moroccan international, who previously played for City’s youth academy and first team before arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, would not be against returning to the club where he began to develop into an elite player.
City’s interest stems from a very specific idea of Maresca’s: to regain dynamism in the final stages of the pitch and add a player capable of changing matches, whether coming off the bench or starting in the most difficult situations.
Brahim Diaz hasn’t always enjoyed consistent game time at Real Madrid, but whenever he has featured, he has provided moments of exceptional quality. His change of pace, ability to bounce back under pressure and talent for finding space in tight areas perfectly match the type of striker the new City manager is looking for.
The history between City and Diaz is not new. The Malaga-born player arrived in England at a very young age and began his development there in a highly demanding environment before Real Madrid signed him.
Now, a few years later, the situation could change. Maresca is aware of the importance of having creative, mobile players who can speed up play in the opposition’s half, and he believes the Real Madrid player can bring a different dimension to the attack at the Etihad.
For City, the signing would also have an emotional and sporting dimension. Bringing Diaz back would mean adding a player who knows the club, understands the rhythm of the Premier League and who arrives with a much greater maturity than during his first spell.
At Real Madrid, he learned to compete under daily pressure, make the most of limited minutes and coexist with a team full of stars. This experience makes him a more reliable player than when he left England.
Brahim Diaz has a contract with Los Blancos until June 2027 and his value is estimated at 35 million euros.
