Dalot faces Roma again: the deal that fell through, his links to Maldini and Italy, and a contract that invites transfer interest
The Portuguese full-back could soon become a transfer target again.
Roma visit Manchester United for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford, they'll have a chance to lay some ghosts of the past to rest. They'll also face a former transfer target who could be back on their radar given the difficult situation at the Red Devils: Diogo Dalot.
The Portuguese full-back's contract expires at the end of next season. He's happy in Manchester, but many clubs are approaching his entourage.
Deal falls through
Roma came close to bringing the 1999-born full-back to Trigoria in the summer of 2021, when Portuguese manager José Mourinho was in the dugout.
Talks continued for a long time, but the Red Devils would not agree to a loan with an option to buy. Roma, still grappling with serious Financial Fair Play restrictions, could not make the move any other way.
The season at AC Milan and the bond with Italy
Dalot knows Italy and Serie A well, and his time there still sticks with him. He joined AC Milan on loan in the 2020-21 season and recently spoke about the experience in The Player's Tribune:
"It was one of the most important seasons of my career. I remember the way the club welcomed me and how welcome I felt in an important year for me, when I needed to regain confidence in my game. AC Milan helped me get back to that level. Every day Paolo Maldini was at the side of the pitch watching us train. Rain, sunshine or cold, he was always there, in a suit and tie. He would tell me: "mark like this" or "go in for a tackle". Other times he would tell me off because I was trying too hard. "You're an extraordinary player, relax, you'll see that everything will be fine"."
A contract expiring in a year
Despite Manchester United's extremely difficult spell, Dalot has continued to show his professionalism on the pitch. He recently reached 250 appearances for the Red Devils, starting 80% of those matches.
Mourinho said of him: "He can become Manchester United's starting full-back for the next 10 years because he has extraordinary qualities." That was in 2018. Dalot's contract with the club currently managed by Michael Carrick expires 10 years later, on 30 June 2028.
The big clubs have made their moves
His contract is nearing expiry, despite an automatic one-season renewal clause that would extend the deal to 30 June 2029 and which the club can also trigger. That has stirred interest in the transfer market.
In recent weeks, several major European clubs have made enquiries to his representatives, as have Inter, AC Milan and Juventus in Italy. Nothing concrete has emerged. He has said he is happy in Manchester and is not thinking about the future, particularly given the difficult situation facing a team to which he is extremely attached. But if things do not change, a departure, perhaps even for a low fee, could be the best solution. Roma are still looking for a wide player and could also renew their interest after facing him on the pitch as an opponent.
