Real Madrid: Brahim Diaz moves ahead of €125m signing Yan Diomande

Yan Diomande is yet to start a match for Real Madrid this season, while Brahim Diaz has made an early claim for the right-wing position despite costing the Spanish club almost seven times less.

Real Madrid paid €125m to sign the Ivory Coast international, underlining the importance attached to the 21-year-old’s long-term potential. Diomande has a contract running until 30 June 2033 and an estimated market value of €90m.

However, his opening weeks in Madrid have been difficult. He has appeared in each of the club’s first five matches but has not been named in the starting line-up. His total playing time stands at 99 minutes, with no goals or assists.

His substitute appearances have not yet been enough to move him up the pecking order, with competition for places on the right side of the attack increasing rather than easing.

Brahim Diaz, by contrast, already understands the demands and surroundings at Real Madrid. The Morocco international has played three times, starting two of those fixtures, and has accumulated 155 minutes. He has also registered one assist.

That contribution came in the Champions League against Inter Milan. Selected from the start, Brahim immediately threatened the opposition and supplied Kylian Mbappe with an accurate pass for Real Madrid’s opening goal.

The performance strengthened his position within the squad. Brahim now appears to be the second choice on the right, behind the player preferred by Jose Mourinho.

The figures underline the difference in their current roles:

| Statistic | Yan Diomande | Brahim Diaz | ||:|:| | Appearances | 5 | 3 | | Starts | 0 | 2 | | Minutes | 99 | 155 | | Goals | 0 | 0 | | Assists | 0 | 1 |

Although Diomande has featured in more matches, Brahim has been given greater responsibility and more opportunities to influence games from the start. The contrast in starts is particularly significant.

The players also offer different qualities. Diomande represents an investment in pace, power and future attacking potential, while Brahim brings greater experience, close-control ability and the flexibility to operate either wide or in a central role.

That versatility is currently helping Brahim meet the staff’s tactical demands more quickly.

The financial comparison is equally striking. Diomande cost €125m, compared with €17m for Brahim Diaz, a difference of €108m. Their estimated market values are €90m and €35m respectively.

Diomande’s salary is not known, while Brahim earns about €7,290,000 a year, according to data provided by Capology.

It remains too early to make a final judgement. Diomande must adapt to Real Madrid, develop relationships with his new team-mates and earn his manager’s trust. His deal through 2033 shows the club recruited him for a long-term project, not simply immediate results.

For now, though, Brahim has the advantage. Diomande will have another opportunity to respond when Real Madrid play Rayo Vallecano in the fifth round of the Spanish league.