Manchester United are set to sign teenage right back Diogo Dalot from Portuguese side FC Porto for 20 million euros.
Diogo Dalot is considered to be one of the most highly youngsters in Europe, and a move to Manchester United will complete what has been a remarkable rise for the 19 year old.
Dalot will be aiming to provide competition to Antonio Valencia, who at the age of 32 is nearing the end of his career at the top level.
Dalot spent most of last season playing for Porto’s B team. But following an injury to left back Alex Telles, he was called up to the senior team.
Dalot showed a good account of himself, especially against Liverpool in the Champions League. He helped his side keep a clean sheet at Anfield when he was up against Sadio Mane.
In all, Dalot has made eight appearances for FC Porto and has three assists to his name. Dalot has represented Portugal at all the youth levels from U15s to U21s.
What can he bring to United?
Dalot is a typical modern day full back and has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League. He is tall, pacy, physically strong and loves going forward. He is a good crosser of the ball, something United have lacked for the last couple of years.
Dalot is also a solid defender and a strong tackler, unlike Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, who have struggled at times defensively. While Dalot is a natural right back, he can also play at left back, as he did for Porto earlier in the season.
Juventus, Napoli and Barcelona also had an interest in signing the wunderkind. But it looks like United have won the race for his signature. The 19 year old has a bright future ahead of him, and Jose Mourinho will be hoping to turn his compatriot into the world class full back he can be.
United fans will be excited at the prospect of the arrival of Diogo Dalot. It will be interesting to see if he can cope with the pressure of playing at Old Trafford. But if he is half as good as reports suggest, Manchester United will have a real bargain on their hands.
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Do you think Manchester United’s pursuit of Diogo Dalot is worth it?