Real Madrid: José Mourinho did not request the signing of Yan Diomandé

The Special One is not involved in the Ivorian's transfer

Africa 20 August 2026 at 08:49

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Real Madrid: José Mourinho did not request the signing of Yan Diomandé

This summer, Real Madrid splashed out €145 million (including bonuses) to secure the services of the Ivorian international winger Yan Diomandé. José Mourinho has now made a revealing statement.

Yan Diomandé joined Real Madrid this summer from RB Leipzig. Speaking to El Chiringuito, Madrid manager José Mourinho assured that he did not specifically request the signing of the Ivorian international from the club's board.

"I didn't ask anyone for anything. I came here without asking for anything, I arrived by thoroughly analyzing the squad and knowing what I would like to see happen. But given what happened last season, I wanted to learn a lot and behave as if I knew nothing. (...) Finding a fast, aggressive winger who can play on both flanks is not easy. I don't want to think about whether he costs 120, 80, 40, or 20 million euros. I evaluate what he can bring to my team and I said 'yes, I want him.' His price is not my concern," the Portuguese coach explained.

🚨 José Mourinho when asked if he requested Yan Diomande signing:
“No, I did not ask but I WANTED him”.

“He’s a great player who can play on both sides”, told El Chiringuito. pic.twitter.com/cpB9i2s7UY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2026

Now officially a member of Los Blancos, Yan Diomandé is the most expensive signing in Real Madrid's history.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.