Deadline set for Brahim Diaz’s next move and more departures

It’s a decision that Brahim Diaz, the club and Pep Guardiola all disagree with and is set to be resolved within the next 24-48 hours.

The promising Spaniard has dug his heels in regarding a move out on loan as he wants to prove his worth to the management team and earn a place in the matchday squad. With an abundance of talent in the attacking midfield positions, the youth product is likely to have a better chance to show his worth by going out to another club for a year.

One of the options available is affiliate club, Girona FC. According to Barcelona based publication, SPORT, the La Liga team has been insisting on the recruitment of the young Malaga midfielder as they see him as an ideal first team player.

City will be reluctant to go against his wishes and make the individual unhappy as Diaz’s contract runs out at the end of the season. He will be in high demand come the summer of 2019, as a free transfer (barring court ruling compensation) will bring interest from a number of European clubs, including City rivals in Premier League and Champions League competitions.

The club will want to keep hold of the player beyond his current contract as he is seen as one of Europe’s brightest prospect. He has impressed during the pre-season tour of United States, however it is reported the management team would want to keep Phil Foden in the club due to his greater potential.

One of those clubs is Borussia Dortmund. An enticing option for the youngster as he has seen his former Elite Development Squad member, Jadon Sancho, leave and grab first-team opportunities. The English youngster made 12 appearances for the European giants last season and Diaz will likely want to replicate this if he can’t find opportunities at the Etihad Stadium.

A player who is certain to leave Manchester on a loan deal is under-23 ‘keeper Aro Muric who has joined NAC Breda on a season-long loan. He has reportedly agreed to the loan as he seeks first-team opportunities in the Eredivisie.

From one to keeper to another, Joe Hart will be wanting to move away to also gain first-team opportunities. He has been offered to Fenerbache with the asking price lowered to £5million; the move is dependant on Englishman’s desire to move to Turkey.

It could be a double swap for the Istanbul club as Eliaquim Mangala has also been sounded out as a likely signing, providing the valuation of the Frenchman drops.

They are likely to depart the club with Jack Harrison and Bersant Celina.

Time will tell on the Brahim Diaz situation and we will probably know the answer next year whether City has let another gem through their fingers.