Db Milano 12/01/2021 - Coppa Italia / Milan-Torino / foto Daniele Buffa/Image nella foto: Diogo Dalot PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA
According to Mirror, Barcelona are hoping to swoop for Diogo Dalot, who is on loan at AC Milan from Manchester United. AC Milan are still contemplating whether to sign Dalot on a permanent deal. However, the Blaugrana are sensing an opportunity there and could throw in a £10million offer which could persuade Manchester United to let go of Dalot.
For a player who was tipped to be Manchester United’s first-team right-back, Dalot’s stock had considerably fallen over the last few seasons. Not only was he behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka, once outcast Timothy Fosu-Mensah was also ahead of the Portuguese. Even Brandon Williams took his opportunities last season to make himself an important part of the side.
Currently Wan-Bissaka is the undisputed first choice at right-back. His performances on a weekly basis are just strengthening his grip on the position. His young age means that he is seen as the long-term option at Old Trafford.
Dalot is a decent wing-back but leaves much to be desired at both ends of the pitch. The former Porto starlet was tried out at right-wing for a couple of games but it didn’t seem to pay off. In a back-four, he is suspect defensively.
While it would seem like a smart signing to bring in a player who has shown promise early in his career, Barcelona already have a very good young right-back in their ranks. The club signed Sergino Dest from Ajax in the summer. Yes, the American has looked a bit unsettled but it could well be the case that he can adjust over time.
Bringing in another established right-back would hamper his growth. One needs to remember the club also has Sergi Roberto, who often plays at right-back. There are also Dalot’s defensive deficiencies to think about.
The Portuguese can bomb up and down the flank easily but when it comes to his primary duties as a defender, he can often drop the ball. That is hardly something an already fragile Barcelona side can handle.
That leads us to the last but most important factor. Barcelona need to invest their cash wisely on players in positions of need. A centre-back and striker are of utmost importance.
Even if Dalot costs only £10million, Barcelona would be better off redirecting those funds elsewhere. Dalot may be a decent player but he is not someone Barca need at the moment.