Latest news with #BrahimDíaz
Morocco World
03-08-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Not for Sale: Real Madrid Block Big-Money Bids for Brahim Díaz
Real Madrid are close to finalising a new long-term contract for Brahim Díaz, despite continued interest from clubs across Europe and the Middle East. The Moroccan international turned 26 today amid reports of firm approaches from clubs such as Benfica and Fenerbahçe. Despite that, Real Madrid made it clear: he's staying. Spanish news outlet Marca reports that the renewal has been in progress since June, with both sides seeing his role as essential for the upcoming campaign. His current deal runs until 2027, but the extension would keep him at the club until at least 2029. Real Madrid have rejected all offers for the attacking midfielder this summer, including bids from the Saudi Pro League. Reports suggest one unnamed Saudi club offered as much as €65 million, but president Florentino Pérez turned it down after consulting with manager Xabi Alonso. The club see Díaz as a valuable squad player – versatile, reliable, and ready when called upon. He featured in 56 matches last season, scoring six goals and providing eight assists. Despite being a regular substitute, he played a crucial role in tight fixtures, offering tactical flexibility across several attacking positions. Benfica have shown a strong interest in signing Díaz and are keen to bring in a creative midfielder ahead of their Champions League campaign. However, with no green light from Madrid or the player, the Lisbon-based club are unlikely to make headway. Fenerbahçe, coached by José Mourinho, are also monitoring the situation. Mourinho reportedly sees Díaz as a good fit for his system, but again, there is no indication the player is considering leaving. Real Madrid's refusal to part ways with Díaz comes at a time when the club are open to selling other players. Rodrygo Goes, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba are all reportedly on the list of potential summer exits, as the club reshape the squad under Alonso. With Jude Bellingham sidelined for three months following shoulder surgery, Díaz's presence becomes even more vital. His ability to slot into different attacking roles is seen as a key asset during what promises to be a demanding season – both domestically and internationally. Díaz is also preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, which will take place between December and January. His absence during that period is one of the few complications Real Madrid will need to manage. The Málaga-born midfielder has built a reputation as a dependable performer in difficult moments due to his high work rate and low-profile style that has earned respect in a squad filled with high-profile stars. His career has seen steady progress, from Málaga to Manchester City, then AC Milan, before returning to Madrid in 2023. Now more mature and experienced. A formal announcement on his contract renewal is expected in the coming weeks. Tags: afconBrahim DiazMoroccoReal Madrid
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brahim Díaz will ultimately stay at Real Madrid
Brahim Díaz will ultimately stay at Real Madrid While Saudi clubs such as Neom SC, Al-Hilal, and Al Nassr were ready to splash out nearly €40 million to secure Brahim Díaz, the Moroccan international has reportedly made his decision. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed to all the terms of his new contract with Real Madrid. His extension is virtually finalized. Despite being courted from all sides, the player's only priority was to remain with Real. For the record, Brahim Díaz is coming off a mixed season with Los Merengues: 31 La Liga appearances, including 16 starts, with 4 goals and 2 assists. Despite reports of a reduced role under Xabi Alonso, the former AC Milan player has apparently chosen to fight for his place.
Morocco World
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Mourinho Wants Brahim Díaz at Fenerbahçe – But Madrid Say No
Brahim Díaz is expected to remain at Real Madrid this summer, despite reports linking him with a move to Fenerbahçe and interest from Saudi Arabia. Turkish media recently claimed that Fenerbahçe were pursuing the Moroccan international, fuelled by his close friendship with former player Arda Güler. Fans of the Istanbul club stormed his most recent Instagram post with over 120,000 comments urging him to join them. However, Spanish outlet AS reports that Díaz has no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabéu. He remains committed to Real Madrid and is in discussions with the club to extend his contract beyond 2027. The club values his professionalism and sees him as an important squad player, despite not being a regular starter. He is considered a reliable backup to Jude Bellingham and someone who offers depth across attacking positions. Meanwhile, Fichajes reports that a Saudi club has made a €65 million offer for the player. The unnamed club's bid reportedly surprised Real Madrid's board and is being evaluated. The offer could be tempting, given the depth in Madrid's attacking line-up. Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly told Díaz he is not in the starting plans for the 2025–26 season, according to Marca. The midfielder is expected to begin the campaign on the bench, but has been assured that all players will be given chances to fight for a place. Díaz played just 103 minutes at the Club World Cup and was left out of important fixtures against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. He also struggled for consistent minutes under former manager Carlo Ancelotti. Despite that, the 25-year-old has collected six trophies with Real Madrid, including the UEFA Champions League. He also won a Serie A title during his loan spell at AC Milan. Díaz's current contract runs until 2027.
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Accelerates World Cup 2030 Preparations with Ambitious Stadium Plans
Doha – Spanish sports newspaper Marca recently traveled to Morocco to witness the country's World Cup 2030 preparations firsthand. 'MARCA spent a few days in Morocco and verified 'on site' how the neighboring country is preparing for the 2030 World Cup that it will co-organize with Spain and Portugal,' the outlet reported. According to Marca, Morocco is already upgrading its football and social infrastructure for the global tournament, despite being five years away. 'The country, although five years remain, is already modernizing structures, both football and social, to prepare for the event,' the Spanish publication noted. The country is currently renovating venues ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), scheduled between December 2025 and January 2026. The 2030 World Cup will feature eleven Spanish venues, three Portuguese, and six Moroccan stadiums. Marca details these Moroccan venues: Grand Hassan II Stadium (Casablanca, 115,000 spectators); Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat, 68,700); Grand Stadium of Tangier (75,600); Grand Stadium Agadir (46,000); Grand Stadium Fez (55,800); and Marrakech Stadium (70,000). Five existing facilities will undergo renovation, while Casablanca's venue represents the cornerstone development. Marca quoted Fouzi Lekjaa, president of Morocco's 2030 bid committee and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): 'We want the final to be in Casablanca.' The Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid stands as the other major option, with FIFA set to make the ultimate decision — a possibility Spanish media have been actively promoting, framing the stadium as a frontrunner in FIFA's considerations. Marca points out that Brahim Díaz will serve as the Atlas Lions' star player. 'Brahim Díaz, the Real Madrid forward, will be the reference,' the outlet states. They observed him recently with the national team: 'Brahim was with his national team in Morocco these days, although he did not play the first friendly on Friday against Tunisia (2-0). But he could be seen in the box even singing the national anthem.' The stadium development project requires substantial investment. A recent report by the Center for Economic and Social Prospective reveals Morocco will allocate MAD 52 billion (approximately $5 billion) for sports infrastructure. This extensive investment raises questions about post-tournament viability. The report warns about avoiding the fate of previous hosts like Brazil (2014) and South Africa (2010), whose stadiums became financial burdens after their respective tournaments. For long-term sustainability, these venues must generate income beyond football matches through concerts, festivals, corporate events, and commercial activities. The report recommends establishing regional management companies and exploring naming rights possibilities, following models like Wembley in London and Allianz Arena in Munich. Construction proceeds with Moroccan companies TGCC and SGTM recently winning a MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million) contract for the second phase of Casablanca's Grand Stade Hassan II project. After the tender process closed on June 10, they submitted the only bid that satisfied all technical and financial requirements. Their scope includes heavy construction, waterproofing, steel framework, interior finishes, and carpentry. The FRMF aims for completion by December 2027. Tags: FIFA World Cup 2030Moroccan stadiums
Washington Post
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Koundé lifts Barcelona to Copa del Rey glory with his extra-time winner against Madrid
SEVILLE, Spain — With the Copa del Rey final apparently ticking toward penalties, Jules Koundé pounced on the chance to snatch an extra-time winner to clinch Barcelona's 3-2 extra-time victory over Real Madrid on Saturday. The France defender surged forward when he saw Brahim Díaz turn his back on Luka Modric's short pass near Madrid's area. He intercepted the ball, dribbled forward and fired a perfectly-placed low shot into the corner of the net to ignite Barcelona's faithful at La Cartuja Stadium.
