Manchester United will trigger the one-year extension option to keep Diogo Dalot away from Barcelona at least one more season.
According to ESPN, Manchester United are ready to exercise a one-year extension clause in Diogo Dalot’s contract to put off interest from Barcelona.
The Portuguese defender has cemented his place in the starting lineup and has been ever present on the right side of the Manchester United defence. His rapid progress through the ranks has dislodged Aaron Wan-Bissaka. And if his situation remains the same, he could be on his way to the 2022 FIFA World Cup as United’s first-choice right-back.
Barcelona had wanted to take advantage of his current contractual situation. The Catalan giants’ current financial condition is far from ideal, and they are only eyeing free agents or soon-to-be free agents who could help them in their situation.
Dalot’s current contract is up for expiry at the end of the current season. But Manchester United do have the option to activate a one-year extension clause to buy some more time. The Red Devils’ hierarchy wants the player to commit his long-term future to them, but an agreement over a new deal has not taken place yet.
The 23-year-old joined Manchester United for a fee of around £18 million from FC Porto as Jose Mourinho nodded his arrival. But Dalot had struggled for game time at Old Trafford prior to this campaign. A loan stint with AC Milan saw the player honing his skills and what could be expected from him if given a proper chance.
Ralf Rangnick was the first manager to put his trust in Dalot. And Erik ten Hag has followed suit as he appears to be satisfied with the way Dalot has performed so far.
Barcelona brought in Hector Bellerin from Arsenal on a permanent deal in the summer. But they view Dalot as a long-term prospect and want to hijack a deal for the Portuguese international. Juventus have also been keen on landing the player, as the Italian giants want to add some much-needed reinforcements following their poor start to the season.
But Manchester United have no intention to let the 23-year-old defender leave in the middle of a transition period and have reiterated their desire to keep him for a much longer period. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can keep Barcelona at bay for a longer period by agreeing to a new contract with Dalot.
