Third option on the right, Yan Diomandé sinks in Real Madrid's hierarchy

Yan Diomandé has still not played a single minute as a starter since arriving at Real Madrid, and Spanish daily AS confirms he is now relegated to third-choice status on the right flank, behind Arda Güler and Brahim Diaz.

The 19-year-old Ivorian winger was recruited for €140 million this summer, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history. But his rare appearances since the start of the season have not been enough to convince José Mourinho to give him a place in the starting eleven. During the trip to Inter Milan in the Ligue des Champions this week, it was Brahim Diaz who started for the second time this season.

According to AS, competition on this flank is particularly intense: “Arda Güler, Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo on his return and even Endrick can all play in this area, once deserted and now overcrowded. The Turk has been the most-used player on this flank. Brahim Diaz has proven himself. With Rodrygo and Endrick absent, the Ivorian is the third option today.”

The former RB Leipzig winger, where he had a solid season in the Bundesliga, must therefore be patient in the Spanish capital. Mourinho, for his part, sought to temper expectations around the player: “He has to take it step by step. He works well and a lot. He’s an open boy, humble, who wants to learn. He will progress. I can’t look at the price of his transfer, I only see the young player with great potential.”

At 19 years old, Diomandé still has the time needed to establish himself at the Maison Blanche. But with Rodrygo’s imminent return and Güler’s rising form, opportunities are likely to remain scarce in the coming weeks.