Barcelona are reportedly ready to rival Real Madrid for the signature of Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, with the Red Devils seemingly facing a difficult task when it comes to keeping hold of the defender.
Dalot was Man United's Players' Player of the Year last season, and the Portugal international has again been vital for the 20-time English champions this term, featuring on 21 occasions in all competitions.
The 25-year-old signed a new deal at Old Trafford in May of last year, with his current terms running until June 2028, but there has recently been speculation surrounding his long-term future in Manchester.
Real Madrid are believed to have identified Dalot as an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract at Liverpool next summer.
Alexander-Arnold is thought to still be Real Madrid's leading target, but with the England international expected to pen fresh terms at Anfield, a 2025 switch for Dalot could potentially be on the cards.
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Barcelona 'ready to rival' Real Madrid for Dalot
Real Madrid allegedly value Dalot in the region of £41m, but Man United would likely ask for more than that amount for a player who has developed into one of their most consistent performers.
According to CaughtOffside, Carlo Ancelotti's side will not have a clear run at the Portuguese, as Barcelona are also showing an interest in the former Porto youngster.
The report claims that Barcelona sporting director Deco is a huge admirer of Dalot, with a switch to Spain next year seen as a serious possibility for the defender.
Barcelona are looking for a long-term right-back, with Jules Kounde still operating in that area of the field despite being more comfortable in the middle, while Real Madrid have lost their first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal for the rest of the season, and the Spanish giants also want to sign a long-term replacement for the Spaniard.
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Should Man United let Dalot leave?
Dalot has now made 178 appearances for Man United, including 50 during the 2023-24 campaign, which proved to be comfortably his best season for the club.
There are question marks over his ability to thrive as a wing-back in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system, though, with Dalot's numbers at Old Trafford - six goals and 12 assists in 178 outings - fairly underwhelming.
Amad Diallo is seemingly the first-choice right-sided wing-back at this moment, while a new left-sided wing-back will be signed next summer, so there is a chance that Dalot will not be a regular in the first XI next season.
As a result, a big-money sale abroad may be enticing for Man United, while Dalot would have the chance to represent another of Europe's true powerhouses, so it is a deal that could suit all parties in 2025.
Matt Law
