Real Madrid ‘set for shock selections’ in Mourinho’s first-choice XI after Diomande arrival

Real Madrid are expected to line up with a star‐studded but surprising starting XI next season, with new signing Yankuba Minteh Diomande tipped to go straight into Jose Mourinho’s attack and several big‐name players potentially left on the bench, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

The report says Real Madrid are close to officially confirming the arrival of the Ivory Coast forward Diomande, whose pace and direct running are viewed inside the club as an extra weapon for an already formidable front line led by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Mourinho, facing intense competition for places across the squad after an aggressive summer transfer window, is believed to be considering a first-choice line-up that would include Diomande on the right wing and omit some of the most high‐profile recruits and established stars.

Courtois to remain first choice in goal

In goal, Thibaut Courtois is expected to retain his position as the club’s undisputed number one. The Belgium international, who has been central to Real Madrid’s recent successes, is regarded as the clear favourite to start, with Andriy Lunin set to continue as his main back-up.

New-look back four – with a major casualty

The back four projected by the Spanish report features new signing Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao forming the central defensive partnership. On the right, Denzel Dumfries is tipped to start at full-back.

That configuration would represent one of Mourinho’s boldest calls, as it could leave Ibrahima Konate – another high-profile defensive arrival – out of the starting XI despite the size of his transfer fee and his experience at elite level. Mundo Deportivo suggests Mourinho currently favours the established pairing of Rudiger and Militao at the heart of his defence.

Midfield competition leaves Bernardo Silva on bench

In midfield, Mourinho is expected to rely on Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni as his double pivot in front of the back four. Ahead of them, Jude Bellingham is set to operate in his preferred attacking midfield role, orchestrating play between the lines.

This structure would initially leave Bernardo Silva among the substitutes, at least at the start of the season. Despite Silva’s stature in European football and his extensive top-level experience, the report indicates that he may have to begin his Real Madrid career from the bench while he competes for a regular starting spot.

Diomande to start in attack alongside Mbappe and Vinicius

Further forward, Mourinho is expected to maintain Vinicius Junior on the left flank, where the Brazilian has become one of Real Madrid’s most influential players. Diomande is projected to take up the right-wing role, using his speed and dynamism to stretch opposition defences.

Through the middle, Mbappe would lead the line as the central striker, completing a front three that combines youth, pace and individual match‐winning ability.

Big names facing early-season frustration

If Mourinho settles on this line-up, several major names could find themselves starting the campaign outside the first XI. Trent Alexander-Arnold, identified by many as a potential cornerstone of Real Madrid’s new project, is one of the most notable players who may not make the initial starting line-up under the suggested scenario.

Rodrygo is also highlighted as a possible casualty of the new attacking hierarchy, with uncertainty still surrounding his long-term role and future at the club following the influx of high-profile forwards.

Bernardo Silva and Konate are likewise expected to face fierce competition to secure regular starting places, with Mourinho portrayed as ready to make “brave decisions” in order to maintain balance and structure in his team, rather than accommodating every star name from the outset.

Projected Real Madrid XI

Based on the report, Real Madrid’s anticipated starting line-up under Mourinho after Diomande’s arrival would be:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defence: Marc Cucurella, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Denzel Dumfries

Midfield: Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham

Attack: Vinicius Junior, Yankuba Minteh Diomande, Kylian Mbappe

Mourinho’s final decisions will only be confirmed once the season begins, but the projected XI underlines the scale of Real Madrid’s summer rebuild – and the level of competition facing some of the biggest names in European football.