Diogo Dalot could depart Old Trafford in January to reunite with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma, although the move could depend on Manchester United’s plans.
According to Calciomercato, Diogo Dalot is keen on returning to Serie A with AS Roma, as the right-back seeks a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho. The move, however, will depend on Manchester United’s plans to replace him with their top target for the position.
Diogo Dalot was expected to displace or at least provide Aaron Wan-Bissaka with viable competition this season. Instead, the right-back finds himself on the fringes every week, with only a few substitute appearances in the Premier League to show for.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to keep the Portuguese this season, as he wanted a reliable player as back-up to Wan-Bissaka. Despite Dalot’s positive loan spell at Milan in the previous season, the full-back has not come close to dislodging the current Manchester United right-back, and a move away might look imminent.
After somewhat establishing himself in Stefano Pioli’s plan at Milan, the Italian side offered another loan with a buy option in the summer. Solskjaer mulled over it before deciding to keep him when it became clear a move for top target Kieran Trippier was proving difficult.
Manchester United reportedly retain an interest in Trippier, with reports suggesting they could go back in January with another offer. It remains to be seen if Diego Simeone will allow a key player in his plans to depart midseason, especially given Atletico Madrid are competing on all fronts.
It is reported that Manchester United’s failure to lure Trippier back to the Premier League could force Dalot to stay put at least until the summer. The Portuguese, however, is keen to reunite with former manager Jose Mourinho at Roma. The Italian side are also linked with other players such as Arsenal’s Calum Chambers.
Roma are ready to offer a loan deal with an option to buy for around €15 million in the summer. Dalot’s contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the 2022/23 season, meaning he’ll have one year left next summer. The Italian club’s offer sounds reasonable, although it’s precisely the same as Milan’s in the previous window.
With Dalot keen on the move, a deal could be worked out, especially considering how sparingly he has been used by Solskjaer this season. However, if Manchester United allow Dalot to leave and fail to sign Trippier or someone else, they might be short at right-back, which would become a cause for concern. As for Roma, it could be a good move and a seemingly better alternative to some of the other right-backs they are targeting for January.
