Barcelona are considering an approach for Diogo Dalot, as Xavi Hernandez wants to bring in a new right-back in January.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are prioritising signing key players in important areas, with a central midfielder and right-back deemed essential. President Joan Laporta could attempt an approach for Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot, but the transfer may prove difficult to achieve.
Diogo Dalot’s performances make him one of the most improved players this season for Manchester United. After initially biding his time and spending a valuable season away on loan at AC Milan, the Portuguese right-back has cemented his place under Erik ten Hag this term.
Manchester United are keen on continuity and could offer the player a new deal. Dalot’s current contract expires in 2023, with Manchester United holding the option to extend it by a further year. Speculation in recent months have linked the right-back with Barcelona, among other clubs. But he might snub potential interest and remain at Old Trafford.
While there has been no development in contract talks, fears of the Manchester United defender departing Old Trafford are rife. With Barcelona waiting in the wings, it may be the right time to conclude a potential extension and secure the 23-year-old’s future at Old Trafford.
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Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles continue to hamper the club’s ambitions. Despite struggling to balance their books, the Catalans managed to bring in quality reinforcements in the summer, including Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha.
But after starting the season brightly, Barcelona have fallen off the rails recently. Their dismal showing in the UEFA Champions League group stages and the El Clasico loss have raised questions about their credentials. As Barcelona stare at playing Europa League football in the latter part of the season, Xavi Hernandez wants the club to address key squad issues in January.
A new central midfielder and right-back are considered essential in January. But Barcelona may need to sell some of their existing players to achieve those targets to raise funds. One of their targets is Diogo Dalot, as they continue to monitor his situation at Manchester United.
Frenkie de Jong could be the player Barcelona sell for funds. Knowing his value in the market, they can achieve their targets. Dalot will be an expensive acquisition if they made their interest known and if the Red Devils extend his deal. However, Manchester United could shut down talks as ten Hag values the defender to high standards.
As Barcelona prepare an approach, they might find it hard to lure the right-back. Instead, the reported interest could play a part in Dalot extracting a sizeable contract out of Manchester United to remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.