Diomande set to become Real Madrid’s record buy, ready to ‘die’ for Mourinho | OneFootball

Yan Diomande is set to become Real Madrid’s record signing in a deal worth up to 140 million euros, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger arriving with only 55 senior club appearances after José Mourinho initially did not request a specialist right winger.

“They paid a lot of money. People are waiting for me. But I have no pressure. I have a good team. They paid a lot because they believe in me. Why would I be scared? I have no pressure,” Diomande said, speaking to SportyTV.

“If you play for Mourinho, you want to die for Mourinho. Everyone wants to die for him. We are ready to die for him.”

He called joining Madrid “like a dream”, saying he was “super happy and proud”. His transfer took longer than expected as commissions were resolved, and he had previously made his LaLiga debut for Leganés against Real Madrid in March 2025.

Diomande said he first spoke with recruitment chief Juni Calafat, then Mourinho rang him in fluent French around 5am in Portugal to stress his importance, and he accepted.

Mourinho regards him as a quick, aggressive winger who can play on either flank, and while others can debate the fee, he wanted the profile. Madrid also see him reviving a clearly defined right-wing role not prominent since Gareth Bale. The Portuguese has recently trusted youngsters such as Banjaqui, Anísio and Sidny at Benfica, though Diomande’s price tag brings an immediate demand for impact.

Diomande cites Yaya Touré and Didier Drogba as inspirations, adding that Drogba urged him to work hard under Mourinho. The Champions League remains the benchmark, with responsibility shared across the squad.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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