Mourinho sees pace and defensive work in Real Madrid’s record-breaking Diomande deal

Jose Mourinho has revealed he did not personally request Real Madrid’s record signing of Yan Diomande, but said he wanted the 19-year-old winger at the Spanish club after quickly approving his profile.

Mourinho returned to Real Madrid 13 years after leaving the club and has been tasked with restoring them to the top following two seasons without a major trophy – an unusual run for a side of their stature.

The Portuguese manager inherited an already formidable squad, but Diomande has added another high-profile attacking option. The Ivory Coast international became the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history after the club agreed to pay RB Leipzig €125m, with a further €15m potentially due in bonuses. The transfer also set a record for an African player.

Mourinho was asked about his role in the deal during an interview with El Chiringuito.

“No, I didn’t ask for him, but I wanted him,” he said.

Diomande had been identified as a Real Madrid target before Mourinho’s appointment, although the manager soon gave his approval to the move.

“He is a great player who can play on both sides,” Mourinho added.

The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager had asked for greater pace in the wide areas, despite Real Madrid already possessing the explosive Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Diomande makes first Real Madrid appearance

Diomande made his first appearance for Real Madrid in a pre-season match against Schalke, coming on in the 60th minute for Brahim Diaz.

The young winger was unable to show the full extent of his speed and dribbling threat during his half-hour on the pitch, with the player still slightly behind physically. However, he immediately displayed an attribute that is likely to appeal to Mourinho: a willingness to contribute without the ball.

Diomande recovered possession five times, won four of his six duels and completed all nine of his attempted passes. He also began a dangerous counter-attack by releasing Vinicius Junior into space behind the defence.

His introduction could create further competition with Brahim Diaz, while Real Madrid’s attacking positions are already contested by Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Endrick.

The pressure on Diomande will be significant given both his fee and the expectations surrounding his arrival. His first competitive performances will be closely judged as he attempts to establish himself in one of the most talented attacking groups in European football.

Yet his early showing has offered an indication of why Mourinho values his qualities. The new signing brings speed and versatility, but his defensive effort may be just as important to the manager.

That combination could allow Diomande to develop quickly under Mourinho, in a similar way to the progress of Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o two decades ago. Both forwards became closely associated with the manager during successful periods of their careers.

Emmanuel Adebayor, who also played for Real Madrid during Mourinho’s previous spell in charge, has expressed high hopes for the relationship between the manager and the Ivorian. Speaking exclusively to Afrik-Foot, Adebayor outlined his optimism about what the pair might achieve together.

Mourinho may not have specifically demanded Diomande’s signing, but the manager now appears determined to turn the record-breaking arrival into one of the principal weapons of his new Real Madrid side.