Yan Diomande has shown flashes of quality but has yet to establish himself as an essential figure for coach Jose Mourinho. (EPA Images pic)MADRID: When Real Madrid splashed a club record €140 million (US$157m) to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig this summer, it was because of his clear potential to become one of the game's stars, as showcased at the 2026 World Cup.
That talent has begun to unveil itself in recent matches, with Diomande lashing in a spectacular strike against Sevilla on Sunday in LaLiga ahead of a reencounter with his former side Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Diomande's sheer potential was not, however, the only reason Madrid forked out.
President Florentino Perez pledged to fans during his campaign for reelection in June that he would pay a fee of that magnitude for a new star as Madrid tried to rebuild following two seasons without a major trophy.
