Rabat – Fenerbahce are preparing a January move for Morocco international Brahim Diaz, with the Turkish club reportedly considering involving Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler in their efforts to persuade the forward to move to Istanbul.
According to Turkiye Today, Fenerbahce have identified Diaz as a leading option to reinforce their attack after receiving less production than expected from their current choices on the left wing. The report says coach Ismail Kartal wants another option in the position and that club officials are expected to begin formal contacts later this month.
Guler could potentially play a role in those efforts. The Turkish international came through Fenerbahce before joining Real Madrid and currently shares a dressing room with Diaz in the Spanish capital.
Turkiye Today reported that Fenerbahce are considering asking their former player to help convince the Moroccan international of the move.
The report comes during a season in which Diaz has had limited playing time under Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
Real Madrid’s official statistics show the 27-year-old has made four appearances across competitions this season, contributing one assist in 178 minutes. He has started once in La Liga.
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Diaz nevertheless remains an important figure for Morocco. He scored in the Atlas Lions’ 2-0 victory over Lesotho in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying on September 29, continuing his involvement under national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Turkiye Today also reported that Fenerbahce are preparing an attractive salary package for Diaz and that Real Madrid could consider extending his contract rather than risk losing him on less favorable terms. The outlet added that Galatasaray had also explored a move for the Moroccan during the summer but were unable to reach an agreement.
Any move may, however, depend on Fenerbahce resolving a separate registration issue.
Turkiye Today reported in September that FIFA had imposed a three-transfer-window registration ban on the Istanbul club over an unpaid installment related to Youssef En-Nesyri’s transfer from Sevilla. Fenerbahce described the sanction as temporary, meaning it could be lifted if the underlying issue is settled.
Turkiye’s next registration period is scheduled to run from January 1 to February 5, 2027.
