Jose Mourinho (via GettyJose Mourinho is preparing to officially begin his second spell as Real Madrid manager. His first La Liga game back will come against Espanyol this weekend. The Portuguese coach has already made his mark on the squad during pre-season. He has also spoken about several important figures at the club. Mourinho praised Arda Guler and compared his development to Luka Modric.However, his comments about Yan Diomande’s signing have attracted particular attention. Mourinho confirmed that he did not request the transfer, but made it clear that he wanted the highly rated winger at Madrid.Jose Mourinho explains his stance on Yan Diomande signingJose Mourinho was asked directly whether he had requested Diomande’s signing. The Real Madrid boss made an important distinction.“Did I ask for Yan Diomande’s signing? No, I did not ask, but I wanted him,” he said on Josep Pedrerol for El Chiringuito TV podcast.The comment shows that Diomande was not necessarily a player Mourinho demanded as part of his transfer plans. However, the manager was clearly happy when Madrid moved for the youngster.Mourinho also highlighted one of Diomande’s biggest strengths.“He’s a great player who can play on both sides.”That versatility could be important for Real Madrid. Diomande is primarily a winger. He is comfortable on the right side and can also operate on the left. His pace gives Mourinho another attacking option.The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international’s statistics from his first full Bundesliga campaign were particularly impressive. Diomande had 33 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig during the 2025-26 season. He scored 12 goals and provided eight assists, according to Opta data. He also played three DFB-Pokal matches, scoring once and providing one assist. Across all competitions, Leipzig recorded 13 goals and 10 assists from him in 36 appearances.Real Madrid sign teenager Yan Diomande following his recent heroics Yan Diomande’s rise was even more remarkable because he had only joined Leipzig from Leganés in 2025. He had previously made 10 La Liga appearances for Leganés during the 2024-25 season, scoring twice and providing one assist.Diomande’s performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award. He also became a senior international for Ivory Coast. He has represented his country at the 2026 World Cup and recorded an assist during the tournament.Real Madrid have therefore signed a player with significant potential rather than simply buying for the future. Diomande already has experience in a major European league and has shown that he can contribute goals and assists.Mourinho also praised Bernardo Silva and expressed admiration for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. But his comments on Diomande provide an interesting insight into Madrid’s recruitment.The Portuguese manager may not have demanded the signing. Yet he clearly believes the youngster can help his team.With the new La Liga season about to begin, Diomande will now face the biggest challenge of his young career. The Madrid pressure will be far greater than anything he experienced at Leipzig. Mourinho will be hoping the teenager can quickly adapt and become an important part of his plans.