Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho reportedly wants Brahim Diaz to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu despite the Moroccan international's limited playing time, with the Spanish giants expected to announce a contract extension in the coming days.

The 27-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Mourinho's plans this season, making just six appearances across all competitions, including two starts.

His situation has attracted interest from Fenerbahce and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad, both of whom have been linked with January moves for the former Manchester City attacker.

With Brahim's existing contract due to expire in June 2027, Madrid have faced questions over whether they should cash in during the winter transfer window or risk losing him for nothing at the end of the campaign.

However, according to Africafoot, Mourinho has made his preference clear and wants to retain the versatile forward for the remainder of the season.

The same report, citing a source close to the player, claims that Brahim is not among the players Madrid are considering selling in January.

Furthermore, the Spanish giants are expected to announce an extension to his current contract shortly, although the precise terms have not been disclosed.

Such a development would represent a significant vote of confidence in a player whose immediate prospects have appeared uncertain since Mourinho returned to Madrid.

Mourinho wants Brahim to stay despite limited Real Madrid opportunities

Brahim has found regular minutes difficult to secure amid fierce competition for attacking positions at the Bernabeu.

The Morocco international has accumulated just 211 minutes this season, registering two assists but failing to score.

He has also remained an unused substitute on seven occasions, illustrating how far he has slipped from the regular involvement he enjoyed during certain periods of previous campaigns.

Mourinho has predominantly considered him for a role on the right flank, where the arrival of Yan Diomande has further intensified competition.

Madrid invested heavily in the Ivory Coast international during the summer, and the club's hierarchy have reportedly encouraged Mourinho to provide their expensive recruit with greater opportunities.

Brahim started September's Champions League victory over Inter Milan, producing an impressive attacking display, but subsequently found himself back among the substitutes.

The Brazilian played a decisive role in Madrid's dramatic 4-3 comeback against Roma earlier this month, scoring the equaliser after coming off the bench.

With Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Diomande also competing for attacking positions, Brahim faces a difficult task to establish himself in Mourinho's preferred XI.

Nevertheless, his versatility remains an important asset, particularly with Rodrygo not expected to return from injury until early 2027.

The former AC Milan loanee is comfortable operating on either flank or through the middle, offering Mourinho different options when rotating his squad.

Despite his reduced involvement, Brahim is understood to have little appetite for leaving Madrid, where he remains determined to fight for a more prominent role.

That stance has complicated the plans of potential suitors.

Fenerbahce have reportedly explored the possibility of signing the attacker, while Al-Ittihad are also interested in bringing him to Saudi Arabia.

Africafoot claimed earlier this month that Al-Ittihad had submitted a €25m (£22m) offer for Brahim, although neither club has publicly confirmed a formal bid.

The latest indications suggest that a January departure is unlikely, with Mourinho reportedly preferring to retain the player rather than reduce his attacking options.

Brahim's long-awaited Real Madrid extension could finally be confirmed

Although Africafoot expects a contract announcement shortly, Brahim's proposed renewal is not an entirely new development.

Spanish newspaper AS reported in June that Madrid had already reached an agreement to extend the attacker's contract until at least 2030, with only the official announcement outstanding.

That position was reiterated in August, when the newspaper suggested that Mourinho continued to value Brahim's technical ability, versatility and willingness to contribute defensively.

The Portuguese manager's arrival was therefore not considered an obstacle to the player's long-term future, despite the increasingly crowded competition for places.

However, the agreement has yet to be formally announced, leaving Brahim's publicly established contract running until the end of the current season.

The uncertainty has encouraged speculation about a potential departure, particularly as the Moroccan's lack of playing time has become more pronounced.

Brahim initially joined Madrid from Manchester City in January 2019 before spending three seasons on loan at AC Milan, where he gained valuable experience and helped the Italian giants win the Serie A title.

Since returning to Spain in 2023, he has contributed to Madrid's domestic and European successes, although establishing himself as an undisputed starter has proved difficult.

His international career has followed a more positive trajectory since he switched allegiance from Spain to Morocco in 2024.

Now 27, Brahim is entering an important stage of his career, with his next contract potentially determining where he spends his peak years.

An extension would provide clarity over his future and protect Madrid from the possibility of losing him on a free transfer.

It would not, however, guarantee him a more prominent place in Mourinho's plans.

With Rodrygo expected to return in the new year and several other attackers competing for minutes, Brahim's challenge would remain much the same even if his contract situation is resolved.

For now, the latest reports suggest Madrid are preparing to secure his future rather than entertain a winter departure, leaving the Moroccan with another opportunity to earn Mourinho's trust.