Sport

Real Madrid reportedly weighing up a move for Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot

Like United, they have a problem with injuries at full-back.

Danny Jones - 2nd January 2025

Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot this January transfer window.

The Portuguese player is a consistent name in new manager and fellow compatriot Ruben Amorim‘s starting XI but has been playing out of position on the left flank pretty much non-stop due to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s continued injury issues.

However, with Madrid looking to urgently sign a new fullback to fill in for a crucial absentee of their own in Dani Carvajal, a few names have been shortlisted as cover.

Although Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is being linked most heavily, the Premier League leaders have rejected the La Liga giants’ advances thus far and it is believed that Dalot could be second choice.

Real Madrid are desperate for a right-back after Dani Carvajal’s injury, hence the Trent bid now.

As reported last month, if, and likely when, any move for Trent fails, Diogo Dalot is another on their list. #MUFC https://t.co/00QY7i6sPB
— Peter Hall (@PeteHall86) December 31, 2024

As per The i Paper sport writer, Peter Hall, the 25-year-old right-back is one of a few players being eyed up by Carlo Ancelotti’s side if Los Blancos fail to sweet-talk Alexander-Arnold.

The Liverpool and England international has long been admired by the club along with most big European teams over the past few years, but Merseyside’s homegrown talent – known for his incredible vision, passing range and strength on set pieces – has seemingly been playing down transfer talk.

With Carvajal confirmed to be out for the season following surgery on a ruptured cruciate ligament, Madrid need to sign a back-up this month, and given that Trent is currently on track for his second league title, any chance they stand probably wouldn’t even come close to materialising until the summer.

Taking that into account, the Madrid board will likely have to look elsewhere for a right-back for now and with Dalot having played a wing-back both at United and on loan at Milan as well as an out-and-out winger during his youth at Porto, he could is considered a good utility fit in the meantime.

The outlet goes on to claim that they are plotting a potential £50 million move for the attack-minded defender should if/when their pursit of Alexander-Arnold ends.

As for whether United would be willing to let him go given how short they are in defence and that position, specifically, that remains to be seen. Known for his characteristic beating of the badge with his fist towards the fans each game, it’s also worth noting that Dalot seems fairly at home in Manchester.

He recently visited the Classic Football Shirts shop in Northern Quarter for an episode of Ellis Platten’s Away Days.

Another element that could factor into whether or not this transfer link goes anywhere is Man United’s own financial position and fissures in the squad at present.

It’s been well publicised that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group have little to no budget set aside to make any singing in January after the money spent during Erik ten Hag’s tenure.

In fact, the billionaire is continue his spree of cost-cutting measures around Old Trafford and Carrington, having upped remaining tickets prices for this season, made over 250 staff redundant and even targeted the United Foundation most recently, cutting funding for what is a crucial charity arm in the community.

None of these decision have proved particualry popular; on the other hand, the sale of Dalot for the fee reported could not only help keep in line with PSR (profit and sustainability rules) but could maybe even help fund a move for, say, a new full-back or two.

Alternatively, there have been calls from fans to sign yet another another forward in light of their evident lack of goals this season – namely a former player of Amorim, in particular.

Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres is one of the most in-form goalscorers on the planet right now and were his former coach given the opportunity to snap him up, he surely wouldn’t hesitate – not that the 26-year-old is adding any fuel to the fire.

Once again, though, serious funds would need to be gathered in order to make a move for the Swedish striker and even the supposed £50 for Dalot would only be a dent in the final figure.

What about you, Reds: would you accept an offer from Madrid for Dalot; would you reinvest it straight back into the squad and, if so, whereabouts on the pitch?

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Featured Images — NBC Sports (screenshot via YouTube)