Leeds United firm up offer for Real Madrid reject with rival Spanish suitors blown away
Leeds United have put their offer on the table for departing Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz, according to a report from Spain.
Mariano is due to finally leave Real Madrid this summer when his contract expires. It will bring an end to his second spell with the club, which began in 2018 when they bought him back from Lyon.
Things have been tough for the attacker ever since. In none of the five seasons in which he has been back in the Spanish capital has he reached 20 appearances in La Liga.
Indeed, he only has 50 La Liga appearances to his name since 2018. This summer, it will be time for Mariano to finally step out of Karim Benzema’s shadow.
Earlier in April, Leeds were suggested as potential suitors for Mariano. They need new ideas in attack after Patrick Bamford encountered some difficulties recently. Furthermore, Georginio Rutter has struggled to make an impact since his club-record arrival in January.
Now, an update from Defensa Central has confirmed Leeds’ offer to Mariano. The 29-year-old would be in line to maintain his current €4.5m annual salary if his suitors were to stay in the Premier League.
In other words, Leeds could pay Mariano more than £76,000 per week as long as they avoid relegation.
Mariano Diaz could yet remain in Madrid
According to the report, the one-time Dominican Republic international’s other major admirers are Getafe, who are also based in Madrid. To join them, though, he might have to halve his wage demands.
As with Leeds, Getafe will have to secure top-flight survival in order to be able to attract Mariano. They are currently just one place outside the relegation zone in La Liga.
With Real Madrid about to release him, the decision will be Mariano’s. Either offer will have its benefits and disadvantages.
Leeds must also decide whether or not he really could be the answer to what they need. Mariano hasn’t scored for Real this season, and only got one goal each in the three campaigns before it.
During the 2017-18 season with Lyon, when he was a more prominent starter, he scored 21 goals from 45 games in all competitions. Therefore, with a bit of faith, he might be able to recapture some form.
But that is a long time ago now. Mariano will have turned 30 by the time next season commences. Having arguably wasted his prime, despite all the honours that have come with representing Real Madrid, he would have to prove himself wherever he goes next.
