Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho's plan is to have Yan Diomande as a consistent presence on the right side, as he accommodates Trent Alexander-Arnold in a more central position, according to a report from AS.
Real Madrid originally had their sights on signing Michael Olise, but it was quickly brought to their attention that there was absolutely no way a transfer of that magnitude would be allowed by Bayern Munich.
They then moved on to signing Diomande, a deal that was, according to Fabrizio Romano, quickly closed by the club. It has still not been announced by the club, but the Italian journalist claims it is fully done.
Real Madrid need width and creativity on the right if Trent moves inward
Real Madrid reportedly wanted pace on the right side of the pitch, and have a real, natural presence on the side for the first time since Gareth Bale's departure.
However, another reason that is being reporteed now is that Mourinho also wants a player basically glued to the right flank, so that there is a presence for Trent to look at on his right, and a player who can make those runs in behind the opposition's defensive line.
With Trent moving inward, there won't be as much of a presence from anyone on the right, meaning a player like Diomande would be desperately needed to bring the balance back into the team.
The deal has yet to be announced, and these are just rumors at the end of the day, but there is some truth to them. Mourinho did, at times, try Trent out as a midfielder when Real Madrid had possession against Fiorentina on the weekend.
It will be interesting to follow how much the player is going to be drifting inwards, because the real threat that the Englishman brings is as much from the right side of the pitch as it is from central positions, if not more.
In the last few seasons, the only real presence on the right flank has been that of Dani Carvajal, and, for a brief period, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Carvajal used to bring a lot of width to the right side, especially when Rodrygo would drift inward or move to the left to combine with Vinicius Jr.
However, now, with Trent playing in a more central role, the onus would be on Diomande to provide creativity and width to this team from that side. It remains to be seen when the player could be called a Real Madrid star officially, but it looks like he will work quite well with Trent when it finally happens.
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