Real Madrid Fire Back with Counter-Proposal for Brahim Diaz Loan Deal

Real Madrid are said to be working on offering Brahim Díaz an extended contract following Benfica's proposal to secure the adaptable attacker on loan this summer.

Díaz has consistently found himself outside the regular starting lineup at Real Madrid. The Moroccan player featured in 51 matches across all tournaments under Carlo Ancelotti during the 2024–25 season, though fewer than half were as a starter. Xabi Alonso never selected Díaz in his starting eleven throughout this summer's Club World Cup competition.

Regardless of his restricted playing time, the 26-year-old remains highly valued. Díaz contributed six goals and seven assists during the recently finished season while featuring in various roles across the attacking line and central areas. Unlike some of his more prominent teammates, the ex-Manchester City academy product willingly covers ground defensively when not in possession.

This appealing combination of attributes and top-level football experience naturally drew attention from multiple clubs this summer. Portuguese powerhouse Benfica moved to make their interest concrete by holding discussions with Real Madrid about a possible year-long loan for their underutilized player, according to Record.

Nevertheless, Madrid's reaction has provided minimal encouragement for the Lisbon-based team. Consistent with reports that circulated widely in Spanish press over the weekend, Díaz is anticipated to receive a contract extension in the near future.

The Málaga native currently holds an agreement running until June 2027 and is believed to be among the squad's lower earners. While discussions surrounding Vinicius Junior's contract renewal are projected to continue for several months, Díaz's agreement could potentially be finalized swiftly.

Díaz might not have received numerous chances to demonstrate his abilities under Alonso thus far, but he has expressed admiration for his new boss. "He maintains that energy and ambition to extract the maximum from each player," the attacking midfielder expressed following the Spaniard's appointment. "We're delighted with his presence and he grasps the Real Madrid philosophy and expectations of this institution perfectly.

"He's accessible, he communicates with everyone and that's beneficial. I'm thrilled he's joined us given his achievements as a player and his work as a manager. I trust he'll bring additional trophies to the greatest club on earth."