Major European clubs continue to face enormous challenges in the Saudi football landscape, and Real Madrid is currently in the news.  A Saudi Pro League team has made an alluring offer of €80 million for Brahim Díaz, posing a new challenge for Carlo Ancelotti.  The Real Madrid management is now considering this high bid for a player who does not necessarily start in the starting lineup even though he does receive minutes.

Throughout the season, the Moroccan playmaker has been a great help to Ancelotti, especially when the club has suffered significant injuries.  His role might be further diminished, though, by the intense competition within the team and the possible entrance of well-known additions during the next transfer window.  In this context, the possibility of a transfer does not appear implausible, particularly if the player accepts the Middle Eastern cash offer.

This offer presents a big problem for Brahim Díaz.  After a great stint at AC Milan, the 25-year-old Spanish-Moroccan has fought hard to earn a spot at Real Madrid, where he is at the height of his football career.  The Saudi offer, however, offers a multi-million dollar deal and the chance to become a clear star at his new team—something he hasn’t yet accomplished at the Bernabéu.

Conversely, Brahim has continuously stated that he wants to be successful at the Santiago Bernabéu and feels he still has a chance to convince Ancelotti that he is worthy of a more important position.  His ultimate choice will be determined by how he balances his financial and athletic prospects and by Real Madrid’s response to the offer he received.

 The way this situation turns out will be greatly influenced by Carlo Ancelotti’s participation.  The Italian strategist is aware that, especially in a season marred by injuries, losing Brahim Díaz would mean losing a flexible offensive option.  The possibility of earning €80 million for a player who doesn’t start frequently, however, would make it easier to add a fresh, elite reinforcement.

The administration of Real Madrid will need to decide whether to accept the Saudi offer or whether it makes sense to maintain Brahim Díaz in the team.  The player is still concentrating on Real Madrid for the time being, but the choice might be made sooner rather than later.