Barcelona have their sights set on Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, with the two parties in contact.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona want to overhaul their squad and have identified Diogo Dalot to be their next right-back solution. Dalot has been vital to Erik ten Hag’s plans, and it will need a lot of convincing for the Catalan giants to let Manchester United part ways with him.
The 23-year-old’s rapid rise through the ranks is bound to attract interest from other clubs. And Barcelona have already initiated talks with his entourage over the possibility of a potential Bosman move.
Dalot’s existing deal will expire next summer. But, like always, Manchester United have the option to extend it by a further year. His performance this season has been fundamental to Manchester United’s transition. And the club hierarchy is seemingly leaning towards offering the player new terms to extend his stay.
Jose Mourinho should be credited with Dalot’s success, as it was the Portuguese manager who presented the opportunity to the Manchester United management to sign his compatriot. Dalot arrived at Old Trafford in 2018, but it was Ralf Rangnick who decided to offer the player more consistent game time.
Erik ten Hag has not altered his predecessor’s plans much and has used the 23-year-old heavily this season. A fee in the region of €25 million might be the sum Manchester United will prefer, should they be willing to listen to offers for the player.
Barcelona activated a number of economic levers to get rid of their financial mess. But they still cannot afford to put much stress on the current finances and will need to invest money very cautiously. They strengthened their ranks by securing a deal for Hector Bellerin from Arsenal, but Dalot is viewed as a more long-term supplement to their vision.
Dalot remains happy at Old Trafford and took an active part as Manchester United got the better of Everton 2-1 in the Premier League. Should the Red Devils manage to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, their negotiation position will improve.
