Yan Diomande of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
Real Madrid finally announced the signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig on Thursday, with the teenage winger signing a seven-year contract until 2033.
The 19-year-old had emerged the Merengues’ top target after it became clear that Michael Olise would not be made available by Bayern Munich.
Despite some hurdles, the Spanish capital club closed the deal for the Ivorian, who has become the most expensive acquisition in Real Madrid history, with his transfer costing €140 million, including add-ons.
Having signed on Thursday evening, Diomande did not take part in his first morning training session as a Real Madrid player on Friday.
The Ivorian winger spent much of the day completing the remaining administrative procedures related to his transfer, preventing him from joining Jose Mourinho’s squad on the training pitch.
As a result, Diomande was left out of the squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Ferencvaros, meaning Mourinho will have to wait a little longer before handing his newest signing a debut.
At this stage, the most likely scenario is for Diomande to make his first appearance in the Teresa Herrera Trophy against Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday, 12 August, reports AS.
Although he missed the morning session, the day was far from uneventful.
Diomande spent part of the afternoon at the hospital completing the final stages of his medical examination, having already undergone most of the required tests on Thursday after arriving in Madrid at around 4:00 p.m.
Once those formalities were completed, the winger headed to Valdebebas, where he trained individually as he begins building up his fitness before joining the rest of the squad.
Diomande has become Real Madrid’s sixth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espi.
He is expected to link up with his new teammates in full training on Sunday, once they return from Hungary after facing Ferencvaros in a friendly.
And, if there are no setbacks, he could make his unofficial debut for Real Madrid against Deportivo La Coruna.
Endrick, Brazil and Real Madrid player
Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images
Real Madrid announced the arrival of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and, considering the amount they spent on the player, he is likely to be an automatic starter in the front line.
Diomande’s arrival was therefore likely to result in a few exits, especially in the front line, and it looks like Endrick might be one of the casualties.
The Brazilian spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympique Lyon and returned to Madrid this summer hoping for a chance.
However, it does feel like Endrick is unlikely to get much meaningful game time with a forward line of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Diomande ahead of him.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are not completely against letting Endrick leave on loan again this summer.
Endrick of Real Madrid
Could leave on loan again. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Speaking about Endrick’s situation, Romano stressed that no decision has been made yet.
“The possibility for Endrick to consider a loan move in the final weeks of the window is something we cannot exclude,” Romano said.
“At the moment it is not guaranteed, it is not sure yet. As soon as there will be substantial updates, I will let you know. But we cannot close the door to a loan for Endrick,” he concluded.
It was revealed earlier that Endrick’s camp has been working on potential loan opportunities in the Premier League.
A move to England would provide the Brazilian with consistent exposure to a high physical and tactical level, while allowing Real Madrid to retain complete control over his long-term future.
Antonio Rudiger and Endrick of Real Madrid
Where will Endrick play next season? (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Any loan would need to be carefully chosen. Madrid would want assurances over playing time and a tactical environment that helps Endrick develop rather than simply providing another club with squad depth.
It does feel like Endrick’s dream move to Real Madrid is turning out to be a nightmare so far.
The 20-year-old striker is yet to break through into the starting line-up and gets sent out on loan after loan while the club continue signing new attackers in the market.
However, the good thing for Endrick is that he is still very young. The 20-year-old has enough time to impress and have a future at Real Madrid.
If Endrick does get loaned out this season, it could be a career-changing move for the Brazilian, and he can use the opportunity to take his game to the next level.
It remains to be seen how Madrid decide to handle the youngster’s future in the coming weeks.