Real Madrid News
Real Madrid and Barcelona in El Clasico battle for 23-year-old Manchester United defender
Real Madrid have set their sights on Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot after being rebuffed in their attempts to land Joao Cancelo from Manchester City. But they will likely face competition from arch-rivals Barcelona in the race.
This claim comes from the Mirror, who state that manager Carlo Ancelotti has asked the club to sign a new full-back who has experience at the highest level but also has plenty of years left ahead of him.
Cancelo, to that end, had emerged as the top target for Real Madrid. But, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe have been told to forget any hopes of landing the Portuguese international from Manchester City.
It has led to the Merengues moving on to the next name on their list, which is Cancelo’s compatriot and Manchester United star Diogo Dalot.
The 23-year-old has grown into a regular in the first-team setup at Old Trafford over the past year, following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Having featured regularly under interim boss Ralf Rangnick last season, he has continued to be the first-choice right-back under Erik ten Hag.
Dalot has been at Manchester United for four years now, out of which he spent a season out on loan at AC Milan. So, he has plenty of top-level experience, while his age means that the defender still has many years left in the tanker, thus fitting Ancelotti’s requirements.
The report claims that Real Madrid have been watching Dalot regularly in the last few months and have been left impressed by the Portuguese international, both professionally and personally.
What makes him an even more attractive prospect is the fact that Dalot’s current contract with Manchester United expires in 2023. The Red Devils have the option to extend it unilaterally by one more year, which they are expected to trigger.
However, the former FC Porto ace’s agent has confirmed that, as things stand, the right-back will not sign a new contract with the Premier League giants. Such a situation could compel United to sell Dalot in the summer of next year.
In that scenario, Manchester United could demand a sum of at least £35 million for Dalot. Although Barcelona are also keen on the defender, Real Madrid will be in a better financial position to meet the asking price.
Ancelotti currently has Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez as options at right-back. However, both are in their thirties and the latter has endured fitness problems over the last year.
So, investing in a new, proven player in the position could be a prudent move on Real Madrid’s part. Whether they go after Dalot with more intent will be interesting to see.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
