Aston Villa and West Ham in Tug of War for Real Madrid’s Diaz
Aston Villa’s fervent desire to revamp their squad has now turned its gaze towards the sunny terrains of Madrid. Real Madrid, in their perennial ballet of player reshuffling, have ostensibly earmarked a price for the out-of-favour midfielder, Brahim Diaz. However, in the bustling market that is the Premier League transfer window, Villa aren’t alone. With West Ham too fluttering their lashes at the former Manchester City maestro, the stage is set for a classic tussle.
Diaz: A Journey through Europe
For those who’ve followed Diaz’s journey, the prowess he exhibited in the alleyways of Serie A is no secret. During his sojourn with AC Milan, a solid 120 appearances were notched up on his belt. Here’s a player who, despite being just 24, has seen the floodlights of San Siro and Santiago Bernabeu. In Italy, Diaz was more than just another player. 18 goals in 128 outings, being a linchpin in AC Milan’s triumphant Serie A campaign in 2021-22, and bagging a Goal of the Month trophy – his CV boasts of these and more.
Yet, as the football narrative often goes, the return to one’s parent club isn’t always rosy. Back in Madrid, Diaz finds himself wading through the waters, courtesy the storm brewed by none other than Birmingham’s prodigy, Jude Bellingham.
The Price Tag
As per reports from the reliable Spanish outlet, SPORT, Real Madrid seem poised and “happy” to part ways with Diaz. The digits? A cool €20million (£17.4m). But then again, in today’s inflated market, for a player of Diaz’s pedigree and potential, it might just be a steal.
Before the Milanese Adventure
Diaz’s track record, however, wasn’t always this glittering. Before embracing the Rossoneri jersey, his time with Real Madrid was, mildly put, nondescript. Only three goals in 30 appearances. And if one were to journey even further back in time, his stint at Manchester City would appear even more fleeting – just five appearances in the Premier League, with the goal column starkly empty.
Villa or West Ham?
Now, the pertinent question for the fans at both Villa Park and the London Stadium is simple: Which claret and blue will Diaz don? Only time will reveal the final chapter in this unfolding transfer tale. But one thing’s for certain, whichever club secures his signature, they’ll have on their hands a player with a point to prove. And in football, that’s always a tantalising prospect.
