Brahim Díaz is going through a delicate moment at Real Madrid. After a season in which he didn't manage to establish himself as a key piece in the white team's scheme, his situation is starting to raise doubts.
He hasn't managed to settle in under either Ancelotti or Xabi Alonso. In the Club World Cup, he played just 103 minutes and didn't take part in the key matches against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
The talent of the Málaga native is undeniable, as is his commitment, but his role within the team seems stagnant. In a club where competition is fierce, Brahim hasn't stepped up as many had hoped after his return from Italy. Now, his future is hanging in the air, even though his current contract runs until 2027.
The shadow of competition
This season won't be any easier for him. With Mastantuono's arrival and the emergence of Gonzalo García, Brahim will face more competition. The competition for attacking positions is intensifying, and his margin to shine is shrinking.
Rodrygo's possible departure could open a window for him. The Brazilian hasn't managed to convince Xabi Alonso and his name has been on the table. However, his transfer is getting more complicated by the day; if Rodrygo stays, Brahim will have to fight for every minute as if it were his last.
The trap of the international calendar
His sporting situation at the club is compounded by another obstacle: international commitments. Brahim is an important piece for Morocco's national team, and this season he will play in two key tournaments: the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
The latter will be held from December 21 to January 18, right in the middle of the season. The player will miss important matches in La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup, an absence that will inevitably influence Xabi Alonso's decisions. Betting on a player who won't be available at crucial moments can be a risk the coach may not be willing to take.
The call of San Siro
In this complicated context, a familiar face returns to the scene: Milan. The Rossoneri club, looking to strengthen after missing out on European competitions, want to bring Brahim back.
Massimiliano Allegri, back on the Milan bench, has expressly requested his return. He believes he can be a key man in rebuilding a team with renewed ambitions.
Brahim knows the club, knows the city, and there he lived two of his best years as a professional. Milan want him and although there isn't a formal deal in progress, the interest is real.