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MLS scouting missed Yan Diomande, set to join Real Madrid for €100 million

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 8:30 AM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

MLS scouting missed Yan Diomande, set to join Real Madrid for €100 million

Summary

Yan Diomande, a player who began his soccer career in Florida, is expected to sign with Real Madrid for approximately €100 million. Diomande, who played high school soccer at Yulee High School, was never recruited by Major League Soccer despite his success at various levels. His ascent includes winning the UPSL national championship and a notable performance in La Liga following a transfer to RB Leipzig. His journey from high school to a top Spanish club highlights gaps in MLS scouting. The transfer is anticipated to take place soon.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Diomande played high school soccer in Florida before moving to Europe.
•He is set to join Real Madrid for around €100 million.
•His journey includes success in UPSL and a brief stint with RB Leipzig.
•The player became the youngest Ivorian to participate at the World Cup in 2026.
•MLS missed opportunities to sign a player now valued at €100 million.

Latest Updates

8:30 AMYahoo Sports — How the MLS scouting system missed player in Florida now set to sign for Real Madrid for €100 million

What they're saying

"
The MLS has produced some good players in recent years who have gone on to play in Europe, but one talent they failed to pick up on is now expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid. Just this week, Championship club Middlesbrough have signed USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps.
— Yahoo Sports

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Real Madrid Atletico Madrid FIFA World Cup Soccer