Besiktas are continuing their attempts to sign Real Madrid and Morocco forward Brahim Diaz before the transfer window closes, but the Turkish club faces a difficult task with the player increasingly trusted by coach Jose Mourinho.
Besiktas have identified Diaz as a target for their attack after failing in their attempt to sign Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who subsequently moved to Trabzonspor.
The Turkish club have not abandoned the possibility of bringing Diaz to Turkey and are continuing to monitor his situation as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
However, a move currently appears complicated because of Mourinho’s plans for the Moroccan international.
According to Fichajes, the Real Madrid manager sees a role for Diaz in his squad and has shown confidence in him during pre-season.
That has strengthened the player’s position in Madrid and could make it difficult for Besiktas to persuade the Spanish club to sanction his departure.
Diaz earns Mourinho’s confidence
Diaz, 27, has remained with Real Madrid ahead of the new season and has made about 163 official appearances for the club since returning in January 2019.
He also has significant experience away from the Spanish capital.
Between 2020 and 2023, Diaz spent three seasons on loan at AC Milan. During his time in Italy, he helped the club win the Serie A title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
His recent performances have now given him another opportunity to establish himself at Real Madrid.
Mourinho has used Diaz several times during pre-season and even selected him to start one of the club’s friendly matches following the player’s return from international duty with Morocco.
Diaz responded to that opportunity with a decisive performance.
He scored the only goal as Real Madrid defeated Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 in the Teresa Herrera Cup, giving his side victory and further demonstrating his ability to influence matches.
The goal also reinforced Mourinho’s decision to give the forward opportunities during preparations for the new campaign.
Diaz’s international performances have strengthened his case further.
He featured prominently for Morocco at the World Cup, producing a strong tournament in which he contributed to four goals across five matches.
That form has helped increase his standing at Real Madrid and given him a stronger case to compete for a regular place in Mourinho’s side.
Competition for places remains intense
Diaz is nevertheless entering the new season in a squad where competition for attacking positions is considerable.
Real Madrid have added new players, while several members of the squad can operate in the positions occupied by the Moroccan.
That could make securing a starting role difficult, but Diaz’s pre-season performances have given him reason to believe he can compete.
His own preference could ultimately play an important part in deciding whether Besiktas can complete a deal.
The player has indicated through his pre-season involvement that he wants to remain at Real Madrid and fight for a starting position.
That stance represents another obstacle for Besiktas.
The Turkish club will therefore need to convince both Real Madrid and Diaz if they are to complete a late transfer.
Simply showing interest is unlikely to be enough, with the Spanish club apparently keen to retain the player and the forward himself motivated to compete for his place.
Besiktas are continuing to follow developments and have not ruled out making an approach during the final days of the transfer window.
But any proposal would have to be strong enough to change the current situation.
Real Madrid hold the advantage
For now, Real Madrid appear to hold the stronger position.
Mourinho’s confidence in Diaz, combined with the player’s recent performances and stated desire to compete for a starting role, makes a departure increasingly difficult.
The Moroccan has also entered the season with renewed confidence following his successful World Cup campaign and his encouraging pre-season displays.
His winning goal against Deportivo La Coruna provided an early indication of his ability to take advantage of the opportunities presented to him.
Besiktas’ pursuit therefore remains alive, but the circumstances favour Real Madrid retaining their player.
The final decision could depend heavily on Diaz himself and whether he remains committed to fighting for a place in Mourinho’s team.
For Besiktas, time is running out. The club must make a convincing proposal quickly if it is to persuade Real Madrid to reconsider their position and Diaz to change his plans.
With the transfer window approaching its deadline, the Moroccan’s future remains unresolved, but Real Madrid’s determination to keep him and Mourinho’s growing trust mean a move to Turkey would be difficult to achieve.
