Real Madrid and Benfica agree terms over the transfer of Mariano Diaz

Real Madrid and Benfica have agreed terms on a loan deal with an option to buy regarding Mariano Diaz, according to Portuguese outlet Record and later confirmed by AS.

After Benfica’s failed attempt to secure free agent, Edison Cavani, they have moved their attention to Real Madrid’s out of favor striker, Mariano Diaz. The agreement is total between the two clubs, but the player has yet to give the green light. Despite playing a mere 84 minutes over the entirety of the season, Mariano has been adamant about staying and fighting for his place at Real Madrid. It’s unclear whether the player still holds that mentality heading into the new season.

Before returning to Real Madrid, Mariano was sensational in Ligue 1 with Lyon. A resounding 21 goals and 6 assists in his first season as an out and out starter in Europe. If Mariano can stay healthy, many would expect him to replicate that form at another club as the starting striker. With both Benzema and Jovic ahead of Mariano in the current pecking order, it may make the most sense from a career-perspective for the striker to leave Real Madrid.