Enzo Maresca targets Manchester City reunion with Moroccan international Brahim Diaz

Manchester City’s incoming manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly identified Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz as one of his priority transfer targets ahead of the summer window.

The Moroccan international, who began his professional career at Manchester City, could now be the subject of a renewed attempt from the Premier League club as Maresca starts shaping his plans for the squad.

According to TeamTalk, the Italian coach is a strong admirer of Diaz and is eager to bring the 26-year-old back to the Etihad Stadium.

Diaz first emerged through Manchester City’s academy system and made appearances for the senior side before leaving England for Real Madrid in 2019.

The Spanish club secured his transfer for a reported fee of 18 million euros, ending his first spell with City after his development through the club’s youth ranks.

Since then, the Moroccan winger has continued to gain experience at one of Europe’s biggest clubs and has become an increasingly important member of Real Madrid’s attacking options.

During the current season, Diaz has featured in 42 matches across competitions for the Spanish side.

He has scored two goals and provided nine assists, numbers that underline his growing contribution within the squad.

His technical ability, versatility and attacking creativity are believed to be among the qualities that have particularly impressed Maresca.

The Manchester City manager is said to appreciate Diaz’s style of play and views him as a player capable of fitting into his tactical ideas.

The possibility of a return to Manchester has therefore started to attract growing attention ahead of the transfer market.

Despite the reported interest, Real Madrid still maintain control over the player’s future.

Diaz remains under contract at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2027, giving the Spanish club a strong position in any potential negotiations.

According to Transfermarkt, the Moroccan international currently carries an estimated market value of 35 million euros.

That figure reflects both his experience at elite level and his increasing importance within Madrid’s squad structure.

The player’s history with Manchester City could nevertheless become an important factor if discussions develop further during the summer.

Having already spent part of his early career at the club, Diaz is familiar with the environment and the expectations associated with playing for the Premier League champions.

Maresca’s admiration for the winger may also strengthen City’s interest as the club considers possible reinforcements ahead of the new season.

The Italian coach is reportedly already working on shaping a squad capable of continuing the club’s competitive ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

Diaz’s profile appears to fit the type of technically gifted and versatile attacking player valued within Manchester City’s system.

For Real Madrid, however, the decision surrounding the Moroccan international may not be straightforward.

Although Diaz is not always among the most prominent names in the squad, his ability to provide depth and attacking variety has remained valuable throughout the campaign.

His contributions in different competitions have allowed him to maintain a role within Carlo Ancelotti’s squad while continuing to develop as a player.

The coming weeks are therefore likely to determine whether Manchester City’s interest develops into a formal attempt to secure the player’s return.

For now, speculation continues to grow around a possible reunion between Diaz and the club where his professional journey first began.

A summer transfer remains a realistic possibility, particularly given Maresca’s reported determination to bring the Moroccan international back to Manchester.