Real Madrid’s technical staff have been left hugely impressed by Yan Diomande’s first days of training at Valdebebas, according to ESPN journalist Rodra, and a Diomande debut is now expected in Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Schalke.
The 19-year-old Ivorian completed a club-record move from RB Leipzig this summer for a guaranteed €125 million, a fee that can rise to €140 million with add-ons. He arrived late to pre-season after representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup and sat out the recent wins over Ferencváros and Deportivo La Coruña. Even so, as Madrid Universal reports, the winger has turned up in exceptional physical condition, with his explosive pace and sharp one-on-one ability the talk of the training ground. José Mourinho personally urged Florentino Pérez to sanction the deal, and Diomande’s 12 goals and eight assists in last season’s Bundesliga explain why.
Those who know him best are not surprised. Todd Eason, who coached Diomande at Florida’s DME Academy, told Managing Madrid: “He’s going to be a nice outlet for midfielders to have.”
Diomande debut expected against Schalke
With the paperwork done after Diomande was registered with LaLiga this week, Bernabéu Digital reports the plan is to hand him his first minutes against Schalke on Sunday, completing his build-up before the LaLiga opener. If his training form carries over to the Bernabéu, Madridistas may not have to wait long for fireworks.
