Real Madrid Dealt Major Blow in Pursuit of 26-Year-Old Premier League Star

Real Madrid have reportedly suffered a significant setback in their pursuit of Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot. 

With Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger in the final year of their contracts and Eder Militao struggling to stay fit, Los Blancos are looking for a versatile player to bolster their defence.

According to TEAMTalk, Los Blancos had identified Manchester United’s Dalot as a potential transfer target, hoping he would be available for a fee in the region of £22 million.

However, according to The Athletic, their hopes of signing him have suffered a major blow in recent hours.

Real Madrid Dealt Blow in Diogo Dalot Transfer Race

Diogo Dalot was one of Manchester United’s more impressive performers in their thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night. It was his cross that led to Amad Diallo’s opener in the 13th minute at Old Trafford.

The performance extended Dalot’s impressive run of form in recent weeks. After facing criticism for his lack of attacking output, he has now scored a goal and provided an assist over the last three Premier League gameweeks.

During Dalot’s struggles, Man United were reportedly considering cashing in on the player. However, now this uptick in form has caused them to reconsider.

Manchester United will consider selling versatile full back Diogo Dalot amid interest from Real Madrid.

Dani Carvajal is not getting any younger, and Dalot’s versatility to play as a right-back, right wing-back, left-back and left wing-back is an appealing factor.

They… pic.twitter.com/PFtV10THNt

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 14, 2025

As per The Athletic, INEOS no longer want to part ways with Dalot and will turn down offers from Real Madrid and other suitors.

The report read:

“United have no plans to sell him, but do not think there would be a shortage of suitors

“In fact, the club are of the opinion he would be one of their most in-demand players.”

The 26-year-old, who is the second-longest serving member in the squad, is one of the members of the new leadership group at Man United. He is also rarely injured, picks up very few bookings, and is a consistent performer.

With Amad Diallo set to depart, Dalot will also get to play in his preferred right wing-back position.

Dalot also has two and a half years remaining on his Man United contract (30 June 2028). He has played 225 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 19 assists.

Xabi Alonso Is Managing a Massive Injury Crisis at Madrid

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has had to put out many fires since taking over.

Owing to the team’s poor performance and reported internal issues, Alonso’s Real Madrid future looks uncertain. However, he probably deserves some slack for navigating a severe injury crisis.

Ahead of the game against Deportivo Alaves, Alonso only had two senior-team defenders available. So, he handed Castilla full-back Victor Valdepenas his Real Madrid debut.

The gamble paid off as Los Blancos secured a 2-1 win.

BREAKING: Xabi Alonso’s big test will be the Supercup in January.

— @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/kO4h4Chq3V

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) December 15, 2025

In their next match, Real Madrid face Talavera in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 before ending the year with a LaLiga clash with Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He will have Fran Garcia available, but Alvaro Carreras will remain suspended for one more game. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Ferland Mendy remain on the treatment table.

According to reports, Alonso needs to win the next two matches to remain in the hot seat. How he navigates this injury crisis could prove decisive.