Diogo Dalot is one of Manchester United’s standout players this season and the Portugal international has quickly dislodged Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the side.
Ralf Rangnick initially dropped Wan-Bissaka from the side and since then, Dalot has made it his own. Erik ten Hag continued to prefer Dalot over Wan-Bissaka this summer and he is quickly becoming one of their most crucial players.
Speaking after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Arsenal, Ten Hag commented on Dalot’s partnership with new signing Antony on the right-hand sign, arguing that communication was a factor.
Despite his seemingly secure role in the team, United were pursuing a deal to sign a right-back this summer, with Barcelona’s Sergino Dest linked on numerous occasions.
Any deal to sign Dest would have depended on Wan-Bissaka leaving the club but the 24-year-old remained at Old Trafford, ending any hopes of signing Dest in the process.
Now, it has been revealed that Dest was not the only right-back of interest between those two clubs. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Barcelona were interested in Dalot this summer but the United man never entertained their interest and was never tempted.
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“He’s been very loyal this summer,” Romano told The United Stand in regards to Dalot. “It’s true that Barcelona had an interest but he was never tempted by leaving Man United also after the difficult beginning of season.
“Erik ten Hag always considered him as an untouchable player so it was never a topic for Man United to do a swap deal with Barca for Sergino Dest and Dalot.”
SN’s verdict…
On this season’s evidence, Ten Hag was completely right to rule out any sale involving Dalot and the player has also shown why the manager has put so much faith in him.
Dalot has just 12 months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and he’s free to speak to foreign club over a pre-agreement in January.
Dalot does not have an option to extend his current deal for a further season and United are running the risk of losing him on a free transfer.