Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé is facing increased competition for a starting place at Real Madrid, with Moroccan international Brahim Díaz appearing to have moved ahead of him in the club’s pecking order.
Diomandé, who joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig for €125 million excluding bonuses, has yet to start a match for his new club and has once again been left with a secondary role among the Spanish giants’ attacking options.
The Ivorian international was Real Madrid’s most expensive signing of the summer, but his early appearances have not matched the expectations surrounding the huge investment made to bring him to the club.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Diomandé has now slipped further down the hierarchy on the right wing, with Díaz gaining ground after making a decisive contribution in Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan this week.
The Moroccan started that match and impressed, strengthening his position as another option for Real Madrid on the right side of the attack.
“The competition is fierce for his position, and Yan knows it. Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo (upon his return), and even Endrick can all play in a sector that, once deserted, is now overcrowded. The Turk has been the most frequently started player on that flank. Brahim Díaz earned his second start of the season against Inter Milan, and he proved his worth. The absences of Rodrygo and Endrick (now recovered) make the Ivorian the third option today ,” wrote AS.
The assessment underlines the difficulty facing Diomandé as he attempts to establish himself in a squad packed with attacking talent.
Arda Güler has been the player most frequently selected on the right wing, while Díaz has strengthened his claim following his performance against Inter.
Rodrygo is also expected to return to contention after his absence, while Endrick has recovered and is another player capable of operating in the area.
That leaves Diomandé competing with several high-profile players for opportunities in a position that AS describes as increasingly crowded.
His situation is particularly notable given the size of the transfer fee involved.
Real Madrid paid €125 million excluding bonuses to sign the Ivorian from Leipzig, making him the club’s biggest signing of the summer.
Despite that investment, he has so far been unable to secure a place in the starting XI.
Portuguese manager José Mourinho has remained calm over Diomandé’s situation and has urged caution concerning the winger.
However, the patience surrounding the Ivorian’s adaptation is being tested, with Spanish media beginning to focus increasingly on his limited role.
Díaz’s performance against Inter has added another layer to the competition.
The Moroccan international not only started the Champions League fixture but also provided an assist as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory.
His contribution has strengthened his case for further opportunities and appears to have pushed him ahead of Diomandé in the current order of options on the right.
For the Ivorian, the challenge is now to force his way back into contention as Real Madrid’s attacking players compete for limited starting positions.
