Barcelona are reportedly keeping a close eye on Diogo Dalot’s situation at Manchester United.
The Portuguese international, 23, has cemented his spot at right-back under new Man United manager Erik ten Hag, starting all 10 Premier League games this season. However, his future at the club is far from certain as the player’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but the Red Devils have the option to trigger a 12-month extension.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot in the January transfer window.
After initially biding his time and spending a season away on loan with AC Milan, Dalot has taken advantage of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s injury to become the first-choice right-back at Man United this term. He has been one of the most improved players under Ten Hag, and after watching the Portuguese’s impressive performances, the club will offer him a new contract in the New Year.
Diogo Dalot feels appreciated at Old Trafford, but if he doesn’t accept the long-term proposal, the Red Devils will look to activate a one-year extension after the World Cup, the report adds.
His national team Portugal also have decent FIFA World Cup odds and the right-back will be playing a key role in trying to bring that dream to fruition.
Diogo Dalot to Barcelona—Should the Blaugrana make a move?
Despite facing financial problems and struggling to balance the books, Barcelona spent a lot of money in the summer transfer window to bring in players like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso.
But after a strong start to the campaign, the Catalan giants’ form have dipped in recent weeks with them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League and losing the El Clasico. This has raised questions about the Xavi Hernandez-managed squad’s credentials. As a result, Xavi wants the club to spend again in January to address some of the key positions in the squad.
One of those is the right-back, with Sergi Roberto and Hector Bellerin the current options at Xavi’s disposal. Bellerin is yet to start a league game for Barcelona this term due to injury problems, while Roberto’s performances have been hit-and-miss. And with Sergino Dest farmed out on loan to AC Milan, Xavi wants to add a new right-back to his squad.
Diogo Dalot has emerged as an option for Xavi’s side. Dalot has started to grow into Ten Hag’s Man United team as he has been given more first-team opportunities this term. The Portuguese international has been an influential presence at both ends of the pitch as he is averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.1 clearances, 0.6 blocks, 0.9 shots, 1.5 key passes and 0.7 dribbles with 79.3% pass accuracy per 90 minutes in the Premier League (stats courtesy: Whoscored).
The 23-year-old is not the finished article yet and can develop into a more rounded full-back. Due to his technical qualities on the ball, Dalot can thrive in Xavi’s possession-based system at Barcelona. However, with the player keen to stay at Old Trafford and Ten Hag holding the player in high regards, Barcelona may find it tough to lure the full-back to Camp Nou.