La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly enquired about the availability of 23-year-old Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Diogo Dalot remains on the radar of Barcelona. The Blaugrana will enter the market for a right-back in the summer transfer window. And the Catalan giants have submitted an enquiry for the 23-year-old Manchester United right-back.
Diogo Dalot has endured a rollercoaster ride since Jose Mourinho hyped him as one of the best young full-backs. That happened when the Portuguese international arrived at Manchester United from FC Porto in 2018. But he did not immediately become the first-choice right-back for the Red Devils.
The 23-year-old had to bide his time and cut his teeth during a loan stint with AC Milan. But he has been Manchester United’s first-choice right-back in the last twelve months. The player has also enjoyed a solid 2022/23 season thus far, chipping in with one goal and three assists in 30 outings. Meanwhile, Dalot’s progress has captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona will enter the market for a right-back in the summer transfer window, with Joan Laporta confirming the same. The Barcelona president has insisted that the Catalan giants need a new right-back. And that stance is hardly surprising despite the arrival of Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy.
Xavi Hernandez has used Jules Kounde as the first-choice right-back this season. But the French international is primarily a centre-back and should be Ronald Araujo’s partner. And with Sergi Roberto approaching the final phase of his career, Barcelona will need a long-term right-back solution.
Dalot has thus been a top target for Barcelona for several months. But the 23-year-old has been eager to remain at Manchester United instead of embarking on a new adventure. That is not deterring Barcelona, with the Blaugrana submitting an enquiry for the Portuguese international.
Manchester United will unlikely give a positive response to Barcelona. That is because Dalot is reportedly closing in on signing a new contract with the Red Devils. And it will be interesting to see if Barcelona will wave the white flag and turn towards an alternative for the 23-year-old.
His form has fallen off a cliff since the world cup.