Liverpool may want to reconsider their disappointment over missing out on Yan Diomandé this summer. His start to life at Real Madrid is already raising eyebrows.
As Reds will know, the 19-year-old has spent the last few years being extensively linked with a move to Liverpool from RB Leipzig.
Liverpool transfer efforts
Sport Witness have covered their interest in the winger extensively. The first of those came in November last year when it was explained that Liverpool were in the race for the player, who was described as ‘one of the greatest talents’.
By January, a move looked inevitable, particularly when Diomandé openly admitted that he wanted to play for Liverpool.
A deal never happened in January as Leipzig stuck to a €100m asking price. But Liverpool were still interested in February, sending an official to Germany as a sign of their interest.
By the time the summer rolled around, the Reds were firmly in the mix for the Ivorian winger.
At the end of May, they were ‘going all out’ to get a deal done for him. Then Real Madrid came in and ruined things, paying €125m to add the winger to their collection of forwards.
Mourinho unimpressed
Yan Diomande is the Spanish side’s most expensive signing in their history, but things are not going well early on. In fact, as RMC Sport reports, Diomandé currently finds himself on the bench in José Mourinho’s plans.
They report that the Ivorian international has ‘looked somewhat disjointed in his early appearances’. His first start against Rayo Vallecano last weekend certainly won’t go down in the history books. In 72 minutes, he manager 0 shots on target, and only two touches in the box.
Mourinho is already playing down expectations. He’s stated that Diomandé isn’t expected to “take the world by storm” this season.
He even considers the winger “too young and too naïve”. He has, though, pointed out his “incredible potential”. Still, they’re hardly words you’d expect of a club record, €125m signing.
It’s not just competition from superstars either, which is to be expected. Diomandé also finds himself behind the likes of Arda Güler and Brahim Diaz.
It’s less than inspiring, to say the least. And it should give Liverpool pause for thought. They missed out on Diomandé but eventually got Bradley Barcola for €125m, just €1m more.
He boasts a record of 34 goals and 30 assists in 130 games at the top level. Diomandé has 14 goals and 10 assists. None of those have come for Real Madrid, yet. They may in future. Real Madrid will believe that they will. But for now, Liverpool appear to have dodged a bullet.
