LaLiga: Real Madrid sign Brahim Diaz

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Manchester City youngster Brahim Diaz, the 19-year-old midfielder moves to the Blancos for around 15 million pounds. The deal includes a further £6.5m in add-ons and it also features a 15% sell-on fee, which would rise to 40% should Real sell him to City rivals Manchester United. Diaz signed a contract with Real Madrid until 2025. The young Spaniard had joined City from Malaga in 2013, he was just 14 years old at the time, and he became widely known in 2017 thanks to his performances for Spain at the Uefa Under-17 Championships in Azerbaijan. However, he only managed to make 15 first-team appearances for the Citizens and just four this season. "This is the most important day in my life," Diaz told reporters on Monday, when he was officially presented by Real Madrid. "I have joined the club which I have dreamed of playing at since I was a child. When I decided it was time to leave Manchester City I only considered three options: the first was joining Real Madrid, the second was playing at Real Madrid and the third and last was playing at Real Madrid. I didn't want to go anywhere else." Real Madrid do need some fresh legs and ideas as they are currently fifth in LaLiga and struggling for consistency this season. Madrid president Florentino Perez said: "This player has a special talent. He has quality, magic and dreams of succeeding at this club. He chose it above others and that energy will help." Whether Diaz will become a first-team regular at Real Madrid remains to be seen. At Manchester City he was behind the likes of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez in the pecking order, but at the Blancos he could be given more chances at least from the bench. He could even make his debut this week as Real Madrid face Leganes in the fifth round of the Copa del Rey. Real Madrid are currently 14/1 at Bet365 to win the title in Spain this season, they are ten points behind leaders Barcelona.