Recent reports from the Mirror state that AC Milan are keen on re-signing Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot on a season-long loan in the ongoing transfer window as Stefano Pioli looks set to add to his options at the back.
However, United will let the player go only if the deal involves an obligation to buy next summer.
Reviewing Dalot’s 2020/21 Season At San Siro
Diogo Dalot had a great spell with the Italian giants last season as he bagged 21 appearances in Serie A.
“It was perfect, my goal was to put minutes on my legs and get back in shape, and I succeeded.” – The Portuguese international said about his time at Milan.
“I was one of the few AC Milan players who was available for all matches.”
“The chance to play in such an important league has given me a lot, not only from a footballing point of view but also for my life itself. I am very happy with what I did last season.”
“I want to keep growing. After a season like last, we start to expect more and more.
“I want to keep playing, to give everything I have and to improve. I know last season was fantastic, but I can do even better.”
He managed to put some decent numbers on the board the last term as he averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.8 clearances, 0.4 key passes and 1.8 long balls per 90 minutes in the Italian top-flight. The 22-year-old established himself as more of a wing-back under Stefano Pioli, often running at defenders down the right flank and getting past them to deliver crosses for his teammates.
Although he needs to work upon his defensive abilities, there’s no doubt that the 22-year-old has matured a lot over the course of his stay in Italy.
Should Solskjaer Let Him Go?
Dalot joined the Red Devils from Porto in 2018 for a fee in the region of £19 million but has only managed 20 Premier League appearances for the club so far, and given his age, it is highly unlikely that he’ll be willing to spend an entire season on the sidelines.
With Alex Telles injured and Brandon Williams keen on a season-long loan move, it seems as if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need a couple of back-ups in the full-back department, and if that’s the case, Dalot could be asked to stay at Old Trafford ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The presence of Dalot will undoubtedly give rise to healthy competition with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and it might just bring the best out of the 23-year-old defender, who arguably has a lot to improve in offensive terms. Furthermore, he would provide United with a very different option in games where breaking down the opposition defence is the day’s order.
However, the signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid will turn the entire situation upside-down.
(Stats from WhoScored)
