Real Madrid are ramping up their pursuit of Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot as they face a defensive crisis, with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao sidelined by serious ACL injuries.
With their La Liga campaign stuttering and Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, the Spanish giants have shifted their January focus from Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold to the more immediate option of Dalot.
For months, Real Madrid had been eyeing Alexander-Arnold as a long-term solution. However, with Liverpool unwilling to part ways with their vice-captain mid-season, the likelihood of a January swoop is now deemed impossible. The focus now turns to Dalot, a player who has quietly risen to prominence at Old Trafford.
According to The i journalist Peter Hall, Real Madrid is preparing a £50 million bid for Dalot. Hall reported on X: “With no recognised RB fit, understand Real Madrid are not willing to wait around for Trent and are planning a £50m January swoop for Dalot. He’s been one of the better #MUFC players of late, but if that’s the offer, it should seriously be considered.”
Dalot’s versatility has been a cornerstone of his value at United. Despite being a natural right-back, he has been deployed as a left-back under Ruben Amorim, adapting well to the challenge. Amorim, who recently praised Dalot for his commitment and adaptability, has made it clear that Dalot is an integral part of his squad.
“He is a great player,” Amorim said after United’s recent win over Everton. “He can play both sides, which is perfect. He lives the game. He’s very powerful. We have to rotate him sometimes because he looks like he is always fresh but he’s not like that. He’s not a machine.”
Despite Amorim’s praise, reports suggest Dalot could be sacrificed to fund United’s transfer ambitions. Spanish journalist Sergio Fernandez confirms that Manchester United would consider Dalot’s departure if Real Madrid meets their £50 million valuation.
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This potential sale could provide United with much-needed transfer funds. Financial constraints have limited their ability to spend in January, but Dalot’s departure could free up resources for Amorim’s targets, which include a left-back, midfielder, and striker.
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s focus on Dalot could give Liverpool a significant boost in securing Alexander-Arnold’s future. With Madrid seemingly out of the picture for now, Liverpool may find it easier to lock down a long-term deal with their star defender, solidifying their defensive line beyond this season.
United, meanwhile, are exploring reinforcements of their own. Reports indicate they’ve opened discussions with Sporting CP for Viktor Gyokeres, with Dalot’s exit potentially accelerating those talks. Journalist Florian Plettenberg notes that while United are keen on Gyokeres, they must offload players before finalizing any deals.
Dalot’s impending move also serves as a lifeline for Real Madrid, who are desperate for defensive reinforcements. While Alexander-Arnold remains a future target, Dalot’s immediate availability makes him a practical solution for their current crisis.
As the January window approaches, the spotlight is firmly on Dalot, with both Real Madrid and Manchester United eyeing a move that could reshape their respective seasons. For Real Madrid, landing Dalot could stabilize their backline and reinvigorate their title chase. For United, his sale could unlock a series of moves crucial to their 2025 ambitions.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be watching closely. Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation remains a sensitive issue, but Real Madrid’s pivot to Dalot may buy Liverpool the time they need to secure their defensive linchpin for the long haul.
This developing transfer saga underscores the interconnected nature of the European football market, where one player’s movement can set off a domino effect across multiple clubs and leagues. All eyes will be on Dalot, as his future could dictate the fortunes of three of Europe’s biggest clubs.