Deportivo Alavés are facing this summer’s transfer window with a major obstacle in their squad: Mariano Díaz remains on the books despite months without playing or even being called up. The 32-year-old striker, under contract until 2027, wrapped up the 2025/26 season with just 12 LaLiga appearances and three goals - his time at the club reduced to a clash with manager Eduardo Coudet and an injury on December 16, 2025 that pushed him out of contention. The side, 14th in the table with 43 points and a -12 goal difference, needs to free up wage space to sign new players, but Mariano’s contract is blocking every move.

Why Mariano Díaz has no place at Alavés

The striker joined last summer after 13 months without a club, billed as a last-chance gamble. Instead, he flopped: 12 games, three goals, and a long-term injury that kept him out of Coudet’s starting XI. Since then he has trained separately after a disciplinary dispute with the Argentine coach. Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez have staked their claims as the first-choice strikers, leaving Mariano even on the bench.

His story echoes spells at Real Madrid and Sevilla FC. At Madrid he never settled in, and at Sevilla he failed to score in LaLiga. Now he’s repeating the script in Vitoria: a dressing room that rejects him and a club that can’t shift him despite trying since May.

Club admits unfair treatment, yet no solution in sight

Sporting director Sergio Fernández admitted in May the club’s treatment of Mariano had been “tremendously unfair,” though he clarified in July there were no grounds to terminate his contract. The snag is no club - in LaLiga or abroad - has shown interest in a 32-year-old forward on wages that stretch Alavés’ budget. The locked-in contract has become a market millstone: every incoming deal hinges on an outgoing one that never materialises.

What’s next for Mariano Díaz?

Alavés need to trim their squad to bring in new faces this summer, yet Mariano’s protected deal stands in the way. Until he leaves, the club is hamstrung. The likeliest fix remains a loan with a purchase option, though clubs show little appetite for a player with no minutes or future prospects.

The team, which finished the season with 44 goals scored and 56 conceded, face their next fixture on July 31 at home to Castellón. Until then, Mariano Díaz will keep training on the sidelines, out of the first XI and without an offer to take him away from Vitoria.