Jose Mourinho has backed Real Madrid’s decision to sign Yan Diomande for a club-record €125m, plus a possible €15m in bonuses, even though the returning manager says he did not personally ask for the 19-year-old winger.
Mourinho, who has returned to Real Madrid 13 years after leaving the club, is tasked with restoring the Spanish giants to the top after two seasons without a major trophy. Diomande is the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history and the costliest African player ever.
Asked about the Ivory Coast international’s arrival, Mourinho told El Chiringuito: “No, I did not ask for him, but I wanted him.”
The distinction reflects the timing of the deal. Real Madrid had already identified Diomande as a target before Mourinho’s appointment, but the Portuguese coach quickly approved the player’s profile.
“He is a great player who can play on both sides,” Mourinho added.
Mourinho had asked for more pace in wide areas, despite already having Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior among his attacking options. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez then sanctioned the club’s record investment to bring Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Diomande made his first appearance for Real Madrid in the pre-season match against Schalke. He came on for Brahim Diaz in the 60th minute, with the two players expected to compete for opportunities in the attacking positions.
The teenager was unable to display the full extent of his speed and ability to run at defenders, as he is still slightly short of full physical condition. However, he immediately demonstrated another quality that is likely to appeal to Mourinho: his willingness to contribute defensively.
During his 30 minutes on the pitch, Diomande regained possession five times, won four of his six duels and completed all nine of his attempted passes. He also started a dangerous counter-attack by sending Vinicius Junior into space behind the defence.
The Ivorian has arrived in Madrid under considerable financial and sporting pressure, with his transfer fee setting an exceptionally high benchmark. Yet his first outing offered an early indication of why Mourinho values him: pace, versatility and a willingness to work without the ball.
Those qualities could allow him to develop significantly under Mourinho, in the same way Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o did two decades ago. Both players were noted for their power, movement and defensive contribution as well as their attacking threat.
Competition for places will be intense. Alongside Diomande, Real Madrid’s forward options include Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Endrick, meaning the teenager will be expected to justify his price quickly.
Emmanuel Adebayor, who also played for Real Madrid during Mourinho’s previous spell in charge, told Afrik-Foot exclusively that he has high hopes for the pair’s partnership.
Mourinho may not have demanded Diomande’s signing himself, but the manager now appears determined to turn the record arrival into one of the key weapons of his new Real Madrid side.
