Ten Hag favourite braced for 2025 approach from Real Madrid as United sweat over his long-term future

Manchester United are braced for battle when it comes to keeping hold of one of Erik ten Hag’s most trusted lieutenants this time next year.

Now a concrete starter on the right-hand side of the backline, Diogo Dalot’s spirited performances over the past two seasons have caught the eye of giants Real Madrid, according to GiveMeSport.

Indeed, the 15-time European champions have added Dalot to their shortlist for the 2025 summer transfer window, viewing him as a candidate to become Dani Carvajal’s long-term successor at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Deemed the ‘best young full-back in Europe’ by Jose Mourinho at the time of his arrival in 2018, the Portugal star will have spent seven seasons as a Red – albeit one as an AC Milan loanee in 2020/2021 – when Madrid potentially ignite their pursuit. Therefore, he may opt to pull the curtain on his Old Trafford career, especially given the calibre of his prospective suitor.

Read more: £25m United target has now been exiled from first-team squad as he’s forced to find a new club before deadline day

United tied down Dalot to a long-term deal

One factor that does swing in United’s favour is that Dalot penned a five-year contract extension last May, keeping him tied to the club until June 2028, with the option of an additional year. Unless he actively decides to push for a transfer, the ball is in INEOS’ court when it comes to sanctioning his exit.

The 24-year-old will soon bid farewell to counterpart Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of his imminent move to West Ham United, after which Noussair Mazraoui is expected to complete his move to bolster the right-back position. It remains to be seen how Ten Hag will utilise the pair throughout the course of the term.