Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has played down suggestions that he arrived at Real Madrid with a list of transfer demands, insisting he did not ask the club to sign Ivorian youngster Yan Diomande.
The Portuguese manager, who has returned to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second spell, explained that his role in the club’s summer recruitment was more measured than some reports suggested.
Mourinho said he did not present Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez with a shopping list when he took charge. Instead, he assessed the squad, discussed the club’s plans and gave his approval when Diomande emerged as a potential addition.
The 19-year-old winger eventually completed a blockbuster move from RB Leipzig to Madrid for a reported €125 million in fixed fees, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to around €135 million. The transfer made Diomande the most expensive African footballer in history.
Mourinho has nevertheless made it clear that he likes what the teenager brings to his squad.
Rather than focusing on the enormous transfer fee, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan manager said his interest was based on Diomande’s footballing qualities and versatility.
Reports from his interview with El Chiringuito indicate that Mourinho explained he did not specifically demand the player before his arrival. Instead, he studied Diomande and agreed with the club’s decision to pursue the deal because the youngster possesses attributes that can strengthen the team.
Diomande’s arrival has added another exciting attacking option to Mourinho’s squad. The Ivorian can operate from the wing and has been viewed as a long-term investment by Madrid.
The teenager also appears to have quickly developed a strong relationship with his new manager. In his first interview as a Madrid player, Diomande spoke highly of Mourinho and revealed his determination to give everything for the Portuguese coach.
The transfer is part of an ambitious rebuilding project at Real Madrid following Mourinho’s return. The club has already invested heavily in reshaping the squad, with Diomande’s deal reportedly surpassing Jude Bellingham’s transfer as Madrid’s most expensive signing.
Mourinho’s comments therefore suggest that, while he welcomed Diomande’s arrival, the decision was not simply the result of a personal demand from the manager.
For the Real Madrid boss, the bigger priority is building a squad capable of competing for major trophies — and he believes Diomande has the qualities to play an important role in that mission.
