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11 August 2026

Yan Diomande has now become Real Madrid’s costliest signing ever, with the club spending €140 million to bring him in — a clear indication of just how highly he is valued at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young attacker has arrived to strengthen Real Madrid’s right-wing department, an area where the side have struggled for a long time due to the absence of a natural option.

His first appearance was initially expected to come tomorrow, when the team are due to play their penultimate pre-season friendly.

However, he has been left out of the squad because he is short of match fitness, and all indications now suggest that his eagerly awaited debut will instead come this weekend in the club’s final pre-season game.

The new Real Madrid recruit spoke to Real Madrid TV earlier this week, where he addressed a wide range of subjects related to his transfer and his arrival at the club.

He began by explaining that Real Madrid had always been his dream club and spoke about what it meant to finally make that dream a reality.

“I am proud and happy because this was my dream. When I was a child I wanted to play for the biggest clubs in the world. I am grateful to be here and I am happy and proud. I want my family to be proud of me.”

“This is the biggest club in the world and everyone wants to come here. I am grateful to be here and I want to share my happiness with everyone. I want to be part of the team’s triumphs,” he added.

The role played by Jose Mourinho was also significant in Diomande’s move to the club.

The Ivory Coast international then thanked manager Jose Mourinho, who personally pushed for the transfer, as well as the club’s board for completing the deal.

“I want to thank the coach because we had a conversation before and I’m here thanks to him and the club, of course.”

“I’m happy. Thank you for this signing and thank you to the club and the coach for believing in me,” he added.

The youngster was then asked about the teammates he has met in the dressing room and what he hopes to learn from those around him.

“It’s always good to have great players in the locker room. You learn from them. As I said, I saw them on TV and today we share the same wardrobe. It’s incredible.”

Now that he has stepped into Real Madrid, the winger will be judged by far higher standards because of the enormous expectations that come with representing the club. Speaking about that challenge, he said,

“It’s different. This is harder. It’s normal because it’s the biggest club. You need to work harder than in other clubs to be the best in the world. And that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Diomande could make his first appearance for the club this weekend.

Diomande also spoke about his personality and admitted what he is like as a person away from the pitch.

“I’m a little shy to talk and I want to learn the dynamics of the team to help achieve many successes together.”

Towards the end of the interview, Real Madrid’s most expensive signing was asked why he decided to join the club, especially as he had already agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain much earlier.

“Because it’s the best club in the world. When Madrid calls you, you can’t say no. It’s that simple.”

Finally, he was asked to reveal his ambitions with the club and everything he hopes to achieve while wearing the Real Madrid badge.

“Have many successes with the club and help the team win everything. I am very happy to be here and I hope to have a lot of success in the team. Hala Madrid!”