Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid may have announced Yan Diomande today, but the club still have their work cut out in the transfer market.
One of the priorities was to sign a new defensive midfielder, as the midfield has clearly struggled without the presence of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Rodri, to that end, had emerged as the ideal target for Los Blancos and the player was even reportedly ready to switch to Real Madrid.
However, recent reports indicate Rodri is now keen on joining Barcelona instead and has already agreed to join the Catalans this summer.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho
Mourinho is unhappy with the way Real Madrid handled the Rodri saga. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
This entire ordeal has left Jose Mourinho furious, knowing that he might possibly miss out on signing Rodri this summer, reports Sergi Valentin.
The journalist points out that Mourinho is frustrated over Real Madrid have handled the situation, especially given that the deal was almost done.
Rodri was ready to join Real Madrid and wasn’t willing to entertain a move elsewhere. That was when Juni Calafat convinced Florentino Perez he can lower the fee for the midfielder.
But that backfired as Deco and Hansi Flick spoke to Rodri, who is now entertaining the idea of moving to Camp Nou.
Rodri of Manchester City
Rodri can still join Real Madrid this summer. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images)
It is certain that Real Madrid have wasted the opportunity to seal the deal, there may still be a slim outside chance that the situation could be turned around.
Barcelona are keen on signing the Manchester City midfielder but acquiring his services could be complicated given the club’s financial situation.
Not to mention, the Catalans must prioritise signing Julian Alvarez before anyone else, as they are still yet to sign a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid have may have a slight opportunity to get back in the race to sign Rodri. But they will have to pay a higher premium for the Spaniard now that Barcelona are involved in the race.
All of this has left Mourinho frustrated and the Portuguese coach is strongly demanding the acquisition of a new holding midfielder, no matter what.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo courtesy: X/@realmadrid
Real Madrid have officially announced their sixth signing of the summer, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, for €140 million including bonuses.
Los Blancos have been in negotiations with the Bundesliga club for the player for a couple of weeks now, with Diomande emerging as a priority target.
Now, according to The Athletic (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Jose Mourinho’s influence proved decisive in Real Madrid’s successful pursuit of Yan Diomande.
The Portuguese tactician played a crucial role in helping the club beat competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool for one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents.
Mourinho personally intervened during negotiations, using his reputation and relationship-building skills to convince the 19-year-old that Real Madrid were the right destination.
The report states that Mourinho held a conversation with Diomande in fluent French during the early stages of negotiations.
Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig star
Yan Diomande has signed for Real Madrid. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
The discussion is said to have had a significant impact on the winger, who was also presented with a Real Madrid shirt as part of the club’s efforts to make him feel wanted.
Those gestures reportedly helped tip the scales in Real Madrid’s favour despite interest from several European heavyweights.
Although the transfer was delayed by legal issues involving the player’s representatives, the sporting side of the deal progressed remarkably quickly.
Diomande had already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid just one day after news of the club’s interest first emerged.
Having been linked with Liverpool very early in the summer and PSG for most of it, Real Madrid quickly hijacked the deal.
This transfer saga provides the perfect insight into Mourinho’s growing influence behind the scenes.
Mourinho played a key role in the Diomande deal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Beyond overseeing pre-season preparations, the Portuguese has played an active role in recruitment, personally helping persuade one of Europe’s brightest young prospects to choose the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho has always been someone who prefers to be hands-on with everything, whether it is transfers or training preparations.
Diomande now arrives in Madrid with a massive price tag on him and the expectations that are bound to follow such a huge fee.
Los Blancos have been very clear that they consider him not only a signing for the present but also one for the future.
Now, having convinced him of the project in the Spanish capital, the responsibility once again lies on Mourinho to integrate him into the first-team setup.
The Portuguese will be keen to form a blockbuster front line with Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Diomande, and this could give Real Madrid one of the most feared attacks in the world.