Should Brahim Diaz leave Real Madrid?

A transfer saga that has been ongoing since winter

The Brahim Diaz situation has been shaking up Real Madrid for several months, well before the World Cup. As early as March, some media were mentioning a sale price set by the Madrid club, around 40 to 45 million euros, with several identified suitors: Arsenal, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen. In May, the anticipated arrival of José Mourinho on the bench reignited speculation about a possible departure, with some even presenting Brahim Diaz as a potential victim of the managerial change.

But then the trend reversed. In early June, several sources reported that the player wished to stay in Madrid despite strong interest from Juventus, who remain active in the matter according to Gianluca Di Marzio. By mid-June, the press was even talking about a complete agreement for a contract extension tying him to the club until 2030, despite the interest in particular from Juventus.

Mourinho, the decisive factor

José Mourinho officially took over on July 13, on a contract running until 2029. According to several sources close to the club, including Defensa Central, Brahim Diaz's performances during the 2026 World Cup convinced the Portuguese coach to keep him as part of his project. The Malaga-trained player, described as technical, creative, and versatile, would fit the profile that Mourinho wants to establish in his offensive sector.

The real issue this summer: Michael Olise

The question of Brahim Diaz's departure must also be viewed through the lens of Madrid’s overall transfer window. Real Madrid has already signed several internationals this summer, including Bernardo Silva, and is openly targeting Michael Olise, who shone with Les Bleus at this World Cup. Bayern Munich, however, remains reluctant to sell him and is considering extending his contract, forcing Real to look at alternative plans.

If Madrid manages to complete the signing of Olise, competition for the winger/attacking midfielder position would become even fiercer for Brahim Diaz, who already has to contend with Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Bellingham. This is precisely the scenario fueling the departure rumors: playing time, already limited in the past, could be reduced even further with an increasingly crowded squad.

Stay or go?

The arguments for leaving:

• Already fierce attacking competition, further reinforced by the Olise target.

• Historically irregular playing time under previous managers.

• Serious and persistent suitors (Juventus, AS Roma, Aston Villa, Galatasaray) offering a more central role elsewhere.

• The approaching 2027 AFCON: playing games rather than staying on the bench would benefit both his form and his place in the national team.

The arguments against:

• The trust shown by Mourinho after the World Cup.

• A contract running until 2027, with a possible extension until 2030.

• The prestige and sporting project of Real Madrid, where the player is said to be keen on staying long-term according to several Moroccan sources.

• The risk, in changing club, of having to readapt to a new league just a year before an important AFCON.

By mid-July, no official decision has been communicated yet. The latest indications, especially regarding Mourinho, lean toward a future at Real Madrid for the 2026-2027 season. But as long as the Olise situation remains unresolved, and as long as the Madrid preseason has not allowed Mourinho to see his squad in action, Brahim Diaz's future will remain a topic to watch closely, especially with the countdown to the 2027 AFCON already underway.