According to reports, Real Madrid's new 140 million euro signing Diomande has yet to start, playing only 94 minutes across 5 matches.

Diomande hasn't found his rhythm yet. The start of Real Madrid's second most expensive signing in history has been far more subdued than expected. The club made a major investment in the Ivorian teenager, paying 125 million euros in fixed fees plus 15 million euros in performance-related add-ons, for a total of 140 million euros. At just 19 years old, this represents a significant gamble, and Real Madrid had hoped he would become a key player in Carlo Ancelotti's plans.

However, after the opening rounds of the season, reality has told a different story. Diomande has not started a single match, accumulating only 83 minutes across La Liga's first four rounds. Against Espanyol he played 26 minutes, just 6 minutes against Real Sociedad, 25 minutes against Málaga, and 26 minutes against Real Betis. He has yet to score or register an assist. His situation in the Champions League is similarly limited, with only 11 minutes against Inter Milan.

These numbers carry more weight when compared to who has displaced him. Ancelotti favors Güler or Brahim on the right flank. Güler has started three of the first four league matches and has emerged as one of the season's early standout performers. Against Betis, Güler was among Real Madrid's brightest players, and Ancelotti subsequently substituted him with Diomande on the bench.

This is not merely a performance issue. Ancelotti himself has called for patience with this blockbuster signing. The Italian coach believes Diomande needs time to adapt, grasp the team's tactical system, and gradually build confidence.

The problem is that 140 million euros is a sum that doesn't afford much patience. Real Madrid did not invest this amount for a player to appear only in the final 20 minutes of matches, nor did they spend it for Güler or Brahim to occupy the right-wing spot ahead of him. Given the nature of this transfer, the expectation was for a player capable of competing for a starting position immediately.

The deeper issue with Diomande's transfer fee lies in Real Madrid's decision-making. While the club did need midfield reinforcement at the time, following Rodri's move to Barcelona, Real Madrid chose not to pursue other options like Enzo Fernández, who was ultimately acquired at a comparable fee from Benfica. Instead, Real Madrid allocated the funds elsewhere.

Diomande must prove his worth quickly. Nurturing young talent is one thing, but after paying 140 million euros, it's difficult to justify keeping him on the periphery if Ancelotti cannot establish sufficient reason to make him a regular starter.

It's premature to label this signing a failure in September, but a pressing question has already surfaced: was it truly necessary to spend so much on a player who currently appears neither established enough nor strong enough to secure a spot as an undisputed starter?

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