FC Barcelona had Brahim Diaz practically signed when he was a youth player at Malaga, according to 'Sport'. The interference of the sheikh who owns the Andalusian club Al-Thani was crucial to break the agreement that FC Barcelona had with his father.
Brahim Diaz, recent hero of Madrid's win over Leipzig in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, was on the verge of signing for FC Barcelona, according to Jaume Marcet in the newspaper 'Sport'. It didn't happen because Malaga CF owner Al-Thani made an exorbitant offer to the player's father.
At that time, the player from Malaga was part of the Andalusian team's youth team and stood out in the most mediatic tournaments. Barcelona had reached an agreement with his father, but the sheikh knew how to respond in time and keep his gem.
Former coach of the 'Cule' youth academy, Albert Puig, had the market for promising young Spanish players very well under control. In fact, he managed to sign talents such as Abel Ruiz and Ansu Fati. Brahim was a dream he could not fulfil.
After these events, it was Manchester City who finally managed to sign him in 2014. He later joined Real Madrid, spent two seasons on loan at AC Milan and returned to the 'Merengues' to finally prove his worth at 'Los Blancos'.