Many people have been saying that Yan Diomandé was an unnecessary signing and that Real Madrid bought him for no reason.
But is that really true?
Before we judge a 19-year-old player, let's first understand why the biggest club in the world was willing to spend more than €130 million on him. Clubs like Real Madrid don't make decisions like this without a reason.
Real Madrid didn't sign Diomandé by accident. This transfer actually makes a lot of sense, and here's why.
First, look at what he did before joining Madrid. In his only season at RB Leipzig, he scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists in the Bundesliga. He also became a starter for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, where he impressed against strong teams like Germany and Ecuador. He wasn't just another young player. He was one of the most wanted talents in Europe, with PSG, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City all trying to sign him before Madrid won the race.
Second, think about his age and his future. He's only 19 years old and has already signed a seven-year contract until 2033. Madrid are not buying him just for this season. They're investing in a player they believe can become one of the faces of the club for the next decade. A club like Real Madrid doesn't give a teenager that kind of contract unless they truly believe in his potential.
Third, look at the bigger picture. Mourinho is building a squad that can take Madrid back to the very top after two seasons without a major trophy. Diomandé isn't arriving alone. He's joining a summer rebuild that includes Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Konaté, Dumfries, and Espí. This isn't a random signing. It's part of a clear plan to improve the team in every area.
Now let's talk about tactics.
For the last few seasons, Madrid's attack has depended too much on Vinícius on the left wing. Every opponent knows that, so they crowd that side and force Madrid to attack somewhere else. Most of the time, the right side doesn't punish them enough.
Diomandé changes that. He is comfortable on both wings and can use both feet well. He can cut inside, cross, create chances, or beat defenders from either side. Suddenly, Madrid's attack becomes much harder to predict because opponents can no longer focus on stopping just one wing.
He also brings something Madrid have been missing in the final third: hold-up play. Too often, attacks end because one player tries to dribble past three defenders and loses the ball. Diomandé is different. He can receive the ball under pressure, protect it, wait for support, and bring his teammates into the attack. Instead of forcing difficult plays, he keeps the attack alive and helps the whole team move forward together.
When you put everything together, the picture becomes clear. He's young, proven, wanted by Europe's biggest clubs, gives Madrid balance on both wings, makes the attack less predictable, and helps solve one of the team's biggest problems in the final third.
So before calling Yan Diomandé an unnecessary signing, ask stion.
Would Real Madrid really spend more than €130 million on a player they didn't have a clear plan for?
Sometimes, the value of a signing isn't just about what he does today. It's about what he can become tomorrow. And Real Madrid clearly believe Yan Diomandé is part of that future.