Mourinho ignores the price tag as Real Madrid protect Diomande

Real Madrid reportedly paid €125 million for Yan Diomande, but José Mourinho has no intention of allowing that figure to select his starting XI. According to „AS”, the coach has designed a gradual development plan for the 19-year-old winger, reducing the pressure around him while helping him understand the team’s demands.

57 MINUTES ACROSS THREE MATCHES

Diomande has appeared in each of Real Madrid’s opening three La Liga fixtures, although all three appearances came from the bench. He played 25 minutes against Espanyol, six against Real Sociedad and 26 against Málaga, giving him a total of 57.

„AS” reports that Madrid paid €125 million for the Ivory Coast international, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. The club did not disclose the fee in its official announcement, but confirmed that Diomande signed a seven-year contract running until 30 June 2033.

A transfer of that size inevitably creates expectations. Every match without a goal, assist or place in the starting XI can quickly become part of the debate. Mourinho’s response has been to separate the footballer from the fee and judge him as a young player adapting to a new environment.

MOURINHO REFUSES TO RUSH HIM

Speaking after the match against Málaga, Mourinho praised Diomande’s work ethic, humility and willingness to learn. He said the winger must progress „little by little” and made it clear that he cannot make sporting decisions by looking at a figure of €120 million or €130 million.

Diomande is not being treated as a finished product. Only two years ago, he was playing for Leganés B. His rise has been remarkably fast, but that speed does not remove the need to learn a new tactical structure, manage greater scrutiny and compete for minutes in an elite squad.

Mourinho’s plan is not to delay the player’s development. It is to make sure that development is not distorted by the pressure attached to his transfer.

MERIT STILL MATTERS

The approach also protects the competitive balance inside the squad. Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz produced strong preseasons and earned their current positions. Mourinho is not prepared to remove players who have performed well simply because a more expensive teammate has arrived.

That is an important message at Real Madrid. Transfer fees may shape expectations outside the dressing room, but performances continue to determine the hierarchy inside it.

According to „AS”, Mourinho is spending considerable time with Diomande in training, helping him understand the team’s movements and attacking dynamics. The player has accepted the process, remains happy and continues to trust the coach.

HIS QUALITY IS NOT IN DOUBT

Patience should not be confused with uncertainty over Diomande’s ability. Last season he appeared in 33 of RB Leipzig’s 34 Bundesliga matches, starting 28 of them. He scored 12 goals and provided eight assists.

Those numbers explain why Madrid were willing to make such a major investment. They also show that Diomande has already delivered at a high level. The next challenge is adapting that talent to a club where competition, tactical responsibility and public attention are all considerably greater.

Mourinho expects the winger’s playing time to increase gradually, with a place in the starting XI remaining the long-term objective. Real Madrid have invested in Diomande’s future. Their coach is making sure the price paid for that future does not become an obstacle to reaching it.