Real Madrid Excludes Diomande from Budapest Trip as New Era Begins

José Mourinho has packed his bags for Budapest without his headline summer signing.

Yan Diomande, unveiled less than a day ago as Real Madrid’s record recruit, will not travel for the second pre-season fixture against Ferencváros at the Groupama Arena on Saturday. His debut will have to wait.

The Ivorian winger missed the final training session before departure, tied up in the final wave of administrative work and paperwork that comes with a major transfer, as reported in Spain. While Carlos Espí jumped straight into the squad last week almost as soon as he landed, Mourinho has taken a different route with the club’s most expensive addition. No risks, no rush. Extra time to settle, to train, to breathe.

The squad left for the Hungarian capital at 4pm, barely hours after Diomande had completed his first steps at Valdebebas. The ink on his contract is still fresh, the photos with the club crest barely filed away, yet the message is clear: Real want him right, not just ready.

If Diomande stays behind, the front line still carries star power.

Vinícius Júnior, Bernardo Silva and Brahim Díaz are all on the plane, each of them joining the group this week and now in line to feature for the first time this pre-season. For Vinícius, the occasion carries an extra charge. This will be his first appearance since signing his new deal that ties him to the club until 2032, a statement contract for a player expected to define the next decade at the Bernabéu.

Eyes will naturally gravitate towards the Brazilian, but he is not the only significant return.

Dean Huijsen is back in the list after shaking off the muscle problem that had kept him out. His presence offers a timely boost to a back line still managing Antonio Rüdiger carefully as the German edges towards full fitness. Rüdiger travels and is named, yet the sense is that Real are nursing him through the early stages of the summer.

The rest of the travelling party tells its own story: a blend of established names, marquee arrivals and academy hopefuls trying to force their way into Mourinho’s thoughts as the new project takes shape.

Goalkeeping Group

The goalkeeping group is led by Andriy Lunin, joined by Mestre and Navarro.

Defence

In defence, Mourinho calls on Dean Huijsen, Juan Martínez, Antonio Rüdiger, Lamine Fati, Mario Rivas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Denzel Dumfries and Álvaro Carreras. It is a mix of hardened internationals and youngsters, with Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries offering a glimpse of the aggressive, high-energy full-back play Mourinho may lean on in the coming months.

Midfield

Midfield remains stacked with talent and potential: Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Sистero, Lacosta and Cirilla all make the cut. Güler and Camavinga bring craft and control, Valverde the running power, Bernardo the creative touch that Real hope will unlock tight games all season.

Attacking Unit

Up front, Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Júnior, Yáñez, Endrick and Carlos Espí form an intriguing attacking unit. Endrick’s presence underlines the club’s long-term planning, while Espí continues his rapid integration after seizing his first chance to join the senior group.

Budapest will not see Diomande’s first steps in white, but the night still carries weight. New contracts, new faces, returning prospects and a coach shaping a squad in his image. The debut of the club’s record signing can wait a few days more. The battle to earn a place around him has already started.