Yan Diomandé still on standby: Mourinho says he’s ‘too naive’

Yan Diomandé, the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history (125 million euros + 15m in bonuses), is still not fully breaking into the starting XI. L'Équipe says that since the season began, he has mainly been used as a bench option, despite huge expectations attached to his arrival from Leipzig this summer.

First start, no instant breakout

His first taste of a starting role came this Saturday in the 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. The night brought some relief for Madrid fans and for the player himself, but the outlet notes that the performance didn’t match the hype about devastating dribbles and wing runs. Mourinho’s staff also point to adaptation: the 19-year-old is still finding his timing and relationship with teammates.

Mourinho: build him slowly

Mourinho has defended the pacing of Diomandé’s integration. As reported by L'Équipe, the coach said: “When there’s such a big price, everyone expects him to break everything immediately, but he’s still too young, naive.” He also stressed the need to avoid repeating past mistakes with another high-profile young arrival.

The competition is fierce

Diomandé’s minutes are limited not only by development, but also by competition. According to L'Équipe, Mourinho believes the winger is behind Arda Güler early in the season and, for now, also sits after Brahim Díaz—who has started twice. The coach added that he’s competing with Vinícius, Arda, Brahim, and—once the timetable allows—with Rodrygo returning from a severe knee injury.

L'Équipe’s bottom line: Diomandé’s long-term breakthrough may still be coming, but for now it looks like patience is the plan.