In the preseason, Real Madrid is embarking on a tour in the U.S. and Canada, not so much to get its players in physical shape, but rather to expand its global appeal and boost its revenue.
Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and Gareth Bale won’t be joining Madrid and Zinedine Zidane for some glorified friendlies stateside from July 27 to August 3. They have all been given a rest until the end of the month after a tiring European Championship. Álvaro Morata is on the tour, but may well leave the Spanish capital come the end of the summer. He has been linked to various European top clubs, including Arsenal.
And then there is plátano power Mariano Díaz among Los Blancos’ delegation. Why not? Like Enzo Zidane, 21, and Martin Odegaard, 17, he is present to make up the numbers on the North American tour that included games against PSG and Bayern Munich.
As we know, Díaz has huge potential, having scored 25 goals in 28 matches for Real Madrid Castilla last season. But as is the case with many youngsters in Madrid, he will most likely move out on loan at the end of the summer to develop and mature elsewhere. Then he can attempt to break back into the Galácticos. At least this tour will offer Díaz a valuable experience.