Manchester United star a target for Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid Interest Raises Questions Over Diogo Dalot’s Manchester United Future

Manchester United’s long term planning has quietly edged into focus following fresh reporting from TeamTalk around Diogo Dalot. The 26 year old defender has been a dependable presence across multiple managers, yet his future is now under internal discussion as Real Madrid circle with a longer term view.

TeamTalk report that “Real Madrid are interested in a 2026 deal for Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot”, with awareness of that interest filtering directly into Old Trafford decision making. Jason Wilcox, now embedded as director of football, is understood to be weighing up whether Dalot remains part of United’s next contract cycle or whether value could be realised while market interest is strong.

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Internal Discussions at Old Trafford

According to TeamTalk, “We can confirm Dalot’s long term future is being discussed internally by Man Utd, as the club have been made aware of possible interest in the Portuguese international.” That framing matters. United are not reacting to a bid, they are proactively assessing squad shape, wages and tactical fit under Ruben Amorim.

Dalot’s representatives have already “approached Man Utd about opening talks in 2026”, despite a contract that runs until 2028 with an option year. That approach forces clarity. A new deal would come with a pay rise, and Wilcox and his team are now evaluating whether that commitment aligns with the club’s medium term vision.

Why Real Madrid Remain Interested

Madrid’s interest may appear curious given their capture of Trent Alexander-Arnold in summer 2025, yet context matters. As TeamTalk note, “Dani Carvajal is not getting any younger”, and Dalot’s ability to cover both flanks in multiple systems is highly valued.

Versatility is often the currency of elite squads, and Dalot’s capacity to operate as a right back, wing back or on the left side keeps him firmly on Madrid’s radar. Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also cited as admirers, reinforcing the sense that this is not isolated interest.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this report lands with mixed emotion. Dalot has been one of those players who rarely dominates headlines but consistently fills gaps. Injuries elsewhere, tactical shifts, left side emergencies, Dalot has usually been the solution.

That said, the timing of this discussion feels significant. Under Amorim, United are clearly moving towards specialist roles within a defined structure. If Dalot is not viewed as a first choice wing back in the 3 4 2 1, then sentiment cannot override squad logic. Selling from a position of strength has long been an area where United have lagged behind Europe’s elite.

There is also realism required. If Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid all see value, then United should too. But value does not always mean retention. A sale next summer could fund recruitment better aligned to Amorim’s system, particularly if Dalot’s next contract escalates wages without guaranteeing a starting role.

Supporters will respect honesty in direction. Keeping Dalot as a high level squad option makes sense, but so does cashing in at the right moment. The key is decisiveness, something this new football structure was designed to deliver.