Bayer Leverkusen keen on signing Real Madrid star amid Florian Wirtz uncertainty: Reports

Bayer Leverkusen have identified Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz as a possible replacement for Florian Wirtz, according to Fichajes. The German attacking midfielder, interestingly, is a priority target for Los Blancos in 2025.

Diaz initially arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Manchester City in 2019. After failing to cement his place in the starting XI, he was sent out on loan to AC Milan to gather first-team exposure.

Diaz spent three fruitful seasons with Milan before Real Madrid brought him back in the summer of 2023. The 25-year-old was impressive last season, registering 12 goals and nine assists from 44 games across competitions.

However, he has struggled with injuries this campaign, while the intense competition for places under Carlo Ancelotti hasn't helped either. The Moroccan international has registered nine appearances across competitions, scoring one goal and setting up two more.

Only two of those have been starts and Diaz could assess his options at the end of this season. Bayer Leverkusen are ready to offer him a chance at regular football in Germany as they prepare for life without Florian Wirtz.

The 21-year-old is hot property in the European circuit after guiding the Bundesliga club to a league and cup double last season. With Xabi Alonso heavily tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid next summer, Wirtz could follow his manager to the Santiago Bernabeu. Should he leave, Leverkusen want Diaz to take his place.

Who is Real Madrid's top scorer this season?

Real Madrid have scored 25 goals in 12 LaLiga games this season while Barcelona have found the back of the net 40 times in 13 league games. Despite roping in Kylian Mbappe in a Bosman move over the summer, Los Blancos are yet to hit top form.

The Spanish champions have registered 36 goals in 17 games across competitions this season. Vinicius Junior, unsurprisingly, is Real Madrid's top scorer with 12 goals and seven assists from 17 games in total.

The Brazilian's position in the starting XI came under threat following Mbappe's arrival, since both like to operate in the left-forward position. However, Vinicius kept his place, while the Frenchman was pushed into a more central role in the attack.

Perhaps the positional change has affected Mbappe, who hasn't been in his element. However, the 25-year-old has chipped in with eight goals and two assists from 16 games across competitions this season.

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Deepungsu holds a PG degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree in Total Quality Management. He has an extensive two-decade long writing experience, which includes a decade of sports blogging. His writing prowess has even led his work getting cited on the legendary Franz Beckenbauer's Wikipedia page.

Inspired by Diego Maradona, Deepungsu played as an attacking midfielder for his local club at subdivision level in his initial years and scored an important goal or two. However, his all-time favorite footballer is Lionel Messi, and evidently, he feels Argentina's glory in 2022 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment for fulfilling his long-standing dream. He is also an ardent East Bengal fan.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar