Man Utd transfer news: Super-agent meddling to leave Ten Hag bereft as Barcelona agenda emerges
The chances of Diogo Dalot leaving Man Utd for Barcelona were recently played down, although the topic has been revived in fresh reports that suggest a different outcome.
Dalot is in the final year of his contract with Man Utd. He has become more important for them than ever before in recent months, establishing himself as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice right-back.
The Portugal international has started all 12 Premier League matches since Ten Hag took charge in the summer, as well as all five Europa League games.
Given his return to form and his contract situation, clubs in Europe have been looking at the full-back. Barcelona are among his main suitors, as they look to upgrade what they already have in his position.
That said, a recent report revealed that Man Utd would be responding with a firm ‘no’ to any advances by Barcelona in the January transfer window for Dalot.
In theory, he could sign a pre-contract agreement with them from the start of the New Year. To avoid that, though, Man Utd could activate a one-year option to extend his contract before then.
The Red Devils would in turn look to negotiate a longer-term commitment if they are happy to continue with Dalot, which seems to be the case.
However, Mundo Deportivo insists there is still a chance Dalot could end up at Barcelona. In fact, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes could utilise his good relationship with the La Liga side to place his client at Camp Nou.
Mendes is reportedly exploring the option of sending Dalot to Barcelona, just like many agents who are eyeing moves for their players to the club from Catalonia.
Diogo Dalot departure would be untimely for Man Utd
Knowing that right-back is a weak spot for Barcelona at present, the idea of Dalot going there might make sense. It would also fit in with the Blaugrana’s recent policy of targeting free agents, or those about to become ones.
If Man Utd lose Dalot just as they were beginning to see the better side of him, it would be a blow.
The club are already working on potential right-back signings of their own. For example, they have been linked with the likes of Max Aarons or Jeremie Frimpong.
Frimpong is also supposedly on Chelsea’s radar, which means Man Utd may have to accelerate their plans if they do not want to miss out.
However, in each case, they have been thinking about replacing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, not Dalot. Their intention is still to keep the former AC Milan loanee and give him extra competition.
Barcelona clearly have other ideas and Mundo Deportivo does not rule out the idea of them getting their way.
Dalot, though, remains happy at Man Utd, so could yet choose to stay. Only time will tell what avenue he goes down.
