Man Utd target prodigy Michael Kayode in case Diogo Dalot leaves.
Manchester United are closely monitoring Brentford's Michael Kayode as a quality alternative should Diogo Dalot decide to join a European giant.
Manchester United are actively developing long-term personnel plans for the right wing position amidst uncertainty surrounding Diogo Dalot's future. Although the Portuguese player is an irreplaceable pillar of the team, intense interest from top European clubs has forced the Red Devils' management to seek a top-class backup option.
Diogo Dalot: An important player, but his future is uncertain.
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, Diogo Dalot has solidified his position. After a period of adapting to a wing-back role in former manager Ruben Amorim's system, the 26-year-old defender has strongly revived his career since being returned to his preferred right-back position. So far this season, Dalot has contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. Most notably, he provided a sublime assist for Bruno Fernandes' goal in the recent 2-0 victory against Tottenham.
However, Dalot's consistent form has attracted the attention of big clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid. The fact that these clubs have repeatedly expressed interest in him makes his future at Old Trafford uncertain in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Michael Kayode: A potential target from Brentford
To prepare for the worst-case scenario, Manchester United have joined the race to sign Michael Kayode, the 21-year-old defender who is shining brightly for Brentford. According to data from TEAMtalk, the Red Devils will face fierce competition from Newcastle United, Man City, PSG, and even Real Madrid to secure the signature of this young Italian talent.
Kayode moved to Brentford in January 2025 after training at Italian clubs such as Juventus and Fiorentina. This season in the Premier League, he has made 30 appearances, including 25 starts, totaling 2,184 minutes played. Kayode's greatest strength is his versatility; he can perform well on both flanks or as a left-sided center-back in a three-man defense. Furthermore, his powerful throw-ins are considered a formidable tactical weapon.
The £50 million price tag is the barrier.
Despite their strong desire to acquire Kayode, Manchester United will face a significant challenge in negotiations. The Italian defender is currently under contract with Brentford until 2030, allowing the West London club to demand a price of no less than £50 million. Kayode himself is currently happy at the Gtech Community Stadium and shows no signs of wanting to leave immediately.
In Manchester United's squad rebuilding strategy, the top priority remains strengthening the midfield. However, if the budget allows, signing a young talent who has already proven himself in the Premier League, such as Michael Kayode, would be a wise move to ensure continuity and stability for the Red Devils' defense in the future.