Mariano has rejected Benfica loan deal, wants Madrid stay next season

The Spaniard perhaps still believes there’s a future for him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mariano Diaz has rejected the opportunity to go on loan to Benfica for the 2020/21 season, according to AS.

Despite Real Madrid finalizing an agreement on a loan deal for Mariano – which also would’ve included an option to buy – the striker was unable to agree on personal terms.

Diaz is now likely to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season despite not being in Zinedine Zidane’s plans.

Mariano played the least minutes for any Madrid player last season and only scored one goal, a memorable one against Barcelona.

But with Luka Jovic tipped to get more opportunities next season and Karim Benzema a mainstay in the centre-forward role, it remains to be seen whether Diaz can salvage his career at our club.