According to the Sun, Jorge Mendes has offered the services of Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot to Spanish giants Barcelona.
The Portuguese right-back has been the undisputed starter for the Red Devils this season, and under Erik ten Hag, he has played at least 45 minutes in each game. Despite this, the 23-year-old’s contract negotiations have not yet begun with the club. Dalot recently revealed that he will postpone the contract talks until after the World Cup.
According to recent reports, Mendes has recommended the defender to Barcelona. Mendes and Joan Laporta, the current president of the Blaugrana, are known to get along well.
Currently, Pro Eleven is the agency representing the right-back. Mendes, though, might be serving as a middleman as he has in the past with several transfer moves.
Despite this, we don’t see Dalot leaving the Red Devils anytime soon. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has only seen four minutes of action this season, will likely be replaced by the former Porto star. As Ten Hag is hesitant to rest the Portuguese, he is currently an “undroppable” player.
Dalot should commit to the long term because Old Trafford helped him reinvent his career there. His current deal is set to conclude in June 2023, but United have the option of extending it by an additional year.
If he continues to play as well as he has this season, he might secure a new contract and claim the right-back spot for many years to come. The intense rivalry in Barcelona can prevent him from having the same confidence. For Barcelona, the right-back position can be filled by Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Hector Bellerin. He might easily drop down the pecking order under Xavi if he has trouble adjusting.
Dalot and United should begin contract negotiations near the end of the year. The full-back, who currently makes £25,000 per week, could be in line for a sizable pay increase.
