According to a report by Madrid Universal on Saturday October 17, 2026, Brahim Diaz has emerged as a surprise candidate to leave Real Madrid during the January transfer window, with the Moroccan international reportedly facing an uncertain future under manager Jose Mourinho.

According to reports, the attacking midfielder's diminishing role at the Santiago Bernabeu has raised questions about his long-term future at the club, with his lack of playing time potentially pushing him towards an exit in the winter transfer window.

Brahim had enjoyed an encouraging pre-season and appeared to have an opportunity to establish himself in Mourinho's plans. However, his situation has changed since the start of competitive football, with the 27-year-old struggling to secure regular minutes.

His position became even more concerning during Real Madrid's dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma in the Champions League. With Madrid trailing 3-1 and requiring attacking reinforcements, Mourinho made changes to strengthen his side but left Brahim on the bench.

The decision highlighted the difficulties the Moroccan is facing as he attempts to establish himself in a competitive attacking department. Despite his ability to operate in different attacking positions, he has struggled to convince Mourinho that he deserves a more prominent role.

Brahim's statistics this season further underline his limited involvement. He has reportedly played just 178 minutes across four appearances in Real Madrid's opening 10 matches in all competitions.

Of those minutes, 143 came in two starts against Malaga in La Liga and Inter in the Champions League. This means he has managed only 35 minutes across his other appearances, leaving him with little opportunity to build consistency.

The situation is particularly disappointing given the expectations surrounding him after pre-season. Brahim had hoped to use that period to make a strong impression on Mourinho, but his involvement has declined considerably since the campaign began.

He has also fallen behind other attacking options, including Arda Guler and Yan Diomande, in the competition for places. With Mourinho having several players available for the attacking positions, Brahim faces an increasingly difficult task in forcing his way into the starting lineup.

Consequently, the possibility of a January departure is beginning to attract attention. A move away from Madrid could provide the Moroccan with an opportunity to secure regular playing time and play a more important role at another club.

AC Milan and Galatasaray are reportedly monitoring his situation as they assess the possibility of signing him. Milan could be an especially familiar destination, given Brahim's previous spell at the Italian club, where he enjoyed opportunities to showcase his attacking qualities.

However, there is no indication that Real Madrid have made a final decision regarding his future. Much could depend on whether his playing time improves over the coming weeks and whether Mourinho begins to involve him more regularly.

Brahim's situation also comes at a time when Real Madrid are evaluating their attacking options. Young striker Carlos Espi has impressed with his goals in limited minutes, while the likes of Guler and Diomande are competing for opportunities alongside established stars such as Kylian Mbappe.

For now, Brahim remains a Real Madrid player, but his future could become one of the stories to watch as the January transfer window approaches.