Real Madrid Squad Update: Diomande Misses Out in Budapest
Real Madrid head to Budapest without their headline summer signing. Yan Diomande will watch this one from afar.
José Mourinho has named his squad for Saturday’s pre-season clash with Ferencváros at the Groupama Arena, and the Ivorian winger is not on the list. Less than a day after the club announced his arrival, posed him with the shirt and sent him out for his first strides at Valdebebas, the brakes have gone on his debut.
Diomande made to wait
The decision is not sporting, but bureaucratic. As reported by Spanish newspaper Marca, Diomande skipped the final morning training session before the trip to complete the last pieces of administrative work and paperwork tied to his move. While his new teammates packed for Hungary, he was signing documents.
He had been tipped to follow the fast-track route taken by Carlos Espí, who joined the group immediately after landing last week. Instead, Mourinho has gone the other way with the club’s most expensive signing, choosing caution and granting him extra time to settle and prepare. The first call-up will have to wait. So will the first minutes in white.
At 4pm today, the squad boarded for the Hungarian capital. Diomande stayed behind in Madrid.
Star power on the plane
If one big name misses out, several others step in to fill the spotlight. Vinícius Júnior, Bernardo Silva and Brahim Díaz all make the trip, each of them having linked up with the squad only this week. All three are now in line to feature for the first time in this pre-season.
The spotlight inevitably tilts towards Vinícius. This could be his first appearance since signing his new contract, a deal that ties him to Real Madrid until 2032 and underlines his status as the club’s franchise forward. Pre-season or not, every touch of his will be scrutinised.
Bernardo’s presence adds intrigue of a different kind. The Portuguese playmaker arrives with the expectation of reshaping Madrid’s midfield dynamics, while Brahim will be eager to carve out his own space in a crowded attacking unit.
Defensive boost, with one caveat
There is positive news at the back. Dean Huijsen returns to the squad after a muscle injury that had kept him out, now back in full training and ready to compete again. His inclusion offers Mourinho another option in a back line still short of full strength.
Antonio Rüdiger travels as well, though the note of caution around his fitness remains. The German centre-back is still working his way towards top condition, and his minutes will be managed carefully as Madrid build towards the serious business of the season.
The travelling squad
Mourinho’s list for the Ferencváros test blends established stars, new faces and academy products:
- Goalkeepers: Andriy Lunin, Mestre, Navarro.
- Defenders: Dean Huijsen, Juan Martínez, Antonio Rüdiger, Lamine Fati, Mario Rivas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Denzel Dumfries, Álvaro Carreras.
- Midfielders: Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Sистero, Lacosta, Cirilla.
- Forwards: Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Júnior, Yáñez, Endrick, Carlos Espí.
It is a squad strong enough to put on a show in Budapest, rich enough in storylines to hold attention deep into pre-season. Diomande will not be part of this chapter, but his absence only heightens the sense of anticipation.
When he finally steps onto the pitch in Madrid colours, the wait will be over—and the judgement will begin.
