Real Madrid has reportedly turned its attention to a Manchester United standout as a potential alternative to strengthen their right-back position, should their primary target—a Liverpool star—become unattainable.
The Spanish giants, renowned for their dominance in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, have set their sights on further fortifying their squad despite an already impressive lineup. Over the summer, Real Madrid completed one of the most anticipated transfers in recent football history by acquiring Kylian Mbappé. The French sensation joined Los Blancos on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, committing to a five-year deal under the guidance of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Even with Mbappé’s arrival adding to an already potent attack, Real Madrid’s management is keen on addressing the aging options in their defense, particularly at right-back. Currently, the club relies on Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez for this position, but both players are now in their early 30s. Recognizing the need for younger blood, the club is actively exploring options to bring in a fresh face to ensure long-term stability in this critical area of the pitch.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold sits at the top of their wish list. The England international, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, has a contract with Liverpool that runs until the summer of 2025. While there’s a possibility he may extend his stay at Anfield, the allure of playing for a club of Real Madrid’s stature might prove tempting, especially given their recent successes and global prestige.
However, if Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alexander-Arnold does not come to fruition, the club has identified Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot as a strong alternative. According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Dalot has emerged as a viable candidate for the right-back position at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Dalot, who has been a pivotal figure at Manchester United under the management of Erik ten Hag, initially joined the Red Devils in 2018 during Jose Mourinho’s tenure. Since then, he has established himself as a reliable presence in United’s defense, making 165 appearances and netting six goals across all competitions. At 25 years old, the Portuguese international offers a compelling combination of youth and experience, qualities that make him an attractive option for Real Madrid as they seek to rejuvenate their squad.
Dalot’s contract with Manchester United runs until the summer of 2028, with an additional year option included. This long-term commitment places United in a strong negotiating position, as they are under no immediate pressure to sell the player. However, the prospect of a move to Real Madrid—a club synonymous with European success—could be a significant factor in Dalot’s decision-making process if an official offer is made.
For Real Madrid, securing a right-back of Dalot’s caliber would not only address their immediate need for defensive reinforcements but also lay the groundwork for future success as they continue to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how these potential moves unfold and whether Real Madrid can further enhance their already formi
dable lineup.