Brahim Diaz targeted by Man City as Maresca eyes €60m move

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a summer move for Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz after incoming manager Enzo Maresca identified the Morocco international as a key target for his new-look project at the Etihad Stadium.

According to reports in Italy, City are willing to offer between €50million and €60million for the former academy graduate, who left Manchester for Real Madrid in January 2019 before rebuilding his reputation in Spain and Italy.

The story arrives at a significant moment for City following Pep Guardiola’s departure. Maresca is expected to be formally confirmed as Guardiola’s successor in the coming days, with the club already beginning plans for a major rebuild after missing out on the Premier League title in 2025/26.

Brahim Diaz fits several of the profiles City appear to be targeting this summer. The 26-year-old is technically versatile, comfortable between the lines and capable of operating across multiple attacking positions.

While he has never fully established himself as an undisputed starter at Real Madrid, he has become an important rotational option during his second spell at the Bernabeu. Diaz has often been used as cover for Madrid’s elite attacking players while still contributing goals and assists in key moments.

Having followed Manchester City’s squad evolution closely this season, the search for a more flexible attacking midfielder has felt increasingly obvious, particularly with questions surrounding squad freshness and creativity in tighter matches.

Diaz’s familiarity with City’s possession-heavy system could also reduce adaptation risks for Maresca during his first season in charge.

Real Madrid are not actively pushing Diaz towards the exit door, but the situation surrounding his contract may become increasingly important over the coming months.

The former AC Milan loanee is currently tied to the Spanish giants until the summer of 2027. If no extension is agreed soon, this window may represent Madrid’s best opportunity to secure a substantial transfer fee.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the club’s wider sporting structure. Presidential elections are approaching at Real Madrid, while reports in Spain continue to link Jose Mourinho with a return to the club after Alvaro Arbeloa’s spell in charge.

That broader uncertainty could influence transfer decisions across the squad.

Several fringe or rotational players may become available if Madrid prioritise strengthening other areas, particularly central defence and midfield, which are understood to be key positions for the club this summer.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions over Diaz’s availability.

Manchester City are expected to accelerate transfer discussions once Maresca’s appointment is officially confirmed. The club are likely to prioritise multiple attacking and midfield reinforcements following Guardiola’s exit, with Brahim Diaz now emerging as one of the first major names linked to the new era.

For Real Madrid, much may depend on managerial decisions and contract negotiations during the summer. If Diaz does not extend his deal beyond 2027, interest from Premier League clubs could intensify quickly.

Any formal offer from City would also test Madrid’s willingness to sell a player who still provides important squad depth despite fierce competition for places.

Would Brahim Diaz be the right player to help launch Manchester City’s post-Guardiola era?