Yan Diomandé arrived at Real Madrid this summer amid huge expectations, but his first few weeks in the Spanish capital have been far more complicated than many had anticipated. The Ivory Coast international has struggled to make a convincing impact during his appearances and has now lost further ground in the battle for a place on the right wing.
As Real Madrid’s most expensive signing of the summer, Diomandé is paradoxically also the newcomer experiencing the greatest difficulties. The 19-year-old joined the Spanish giants from RB Leipzig for €125 million, excluding bonuses, but for now he has been forced to settle for a secondary role in a squad packed with attacking talent.
José Mourinho, however, is not showing any signs of concern. The Portuguese coach has repeatedly called for patience with the young winger, insisting that Diomandé needs time to adapt to his new surroundings, teammates and the enormous expectations that come with playing for Real Madrid.
The Spanish media are beginning to show much less patience. Diomandé’s performances off the bench have yet to justify the massive investment made in him, and at a club like Real Madrid, players rarely receive much time before they are judged.
When he arrived, many observers expected the Ivorian to immediately establish himself as the first-choice option on the right side of the attack. However, Arda Güler’s excellent start to the season has completely changed the situation. The Turkish international has been one of Madrid’s standout performers and is currently ahead of Diomandé in the hierarchy.
Diomandé is now third choice
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Diomandé has now slipped even further down the pecking order. Brahim Díaz is making significant progress and strengthened his case with an impressive performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League this week.
Brahim started the 2-1 victory and played an important role in the opening goal, delivering a superb pass for Kylian Mbappé. His display appears to have moved him ahead of Diomandé as Mourinho’s second option on the right wing.
“The competition for places is fierce, and Yan knows it,” AS explained. “Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo when he returns, and even Endrick can all play in an area of the pitch that was once lacking options but is now overcrowded.”
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Yan Diomande is growing FRUSTRATED with his lack of minutes at Real Madrid.
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) September 10, 2026
The 19-year-old expected to play a bigger role at the start of the season, but José Mourinho believes his time will come and has asked for patience.
— @okdiario pic.twitter.com/Hby8RunGP0
The report added that Güler has started the most matches on that flank, while Brahim earned his second start of the season against Inter and took full advantage of his opportunity.
With Rodrygo currently unavailable and Endrick only recently returning to fitness, Diomandé is effectively considered the third-choice option at the moment.
The situation is not yet alarming, especially considering his age and the difficult adaptation required at a club of Real Madrid’s stature. But expectations surrounding a €125 million signing are inevitably enormous.
Diomandé now faces an important challenge: regain Mourinho’s confidence, make a stronger impact whenever opportunities arrive, and prove that Real Madrid’s massive investment in him was justified.
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