Diogo Dalot's time at Manchester United has been widely debated by fans, pundits, and others as to whether he has been a successful signing.

Joining from FC Porto on June 6, 2018 for a fee of around £19 million, the then 19 year old was touted as one of the best upcoming right-backs across world football, with come comparing his potential to that of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Since then, with a loan spell at AC Milan in the mix, Dalot has made just over 250 appearances for United and won two trophies – the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, playing for the club for his ninth season in a row. 

While this sounds successful, and Dalot has been a firm favourite of multiple United managers during his time at Old Trafford, there have always been complaints that he makes far too many mistakes, leading some to feel he's not at the level required for the club.

Dalot has been linked to clubs such as Real Madrid for several years, and as a fully-fledged Portugal international who starts every week for one of the biggest clubs in the world, his CV is incredibly impressive.

However, according to FootballInsider, the 27-year-old could be playing his final season at United.

The report states that, ahead of the 2027 transfer window, while United are somewhat reluctant to let Dalot leave, they are preparing to listen to offers for the right-back amid their planned defensive overhaul.

Despite periods of inconsistency across his nine seasons at the club, and despite being a regular starter for United under Michael Carrick, the club may view Dalot as a sacrifice worth making to fund the next generation of defenders.

It came as a bit of a shock to those following the club that Carrick's first-team squad made no major sales last summer, with the club's transfer income coming mostly from Rasmus Højlund's sale to Napoli and some previously agreed sell-on fees.

However, it has been widely reported that, after spending £200 million on a new attack in 2025 and a further £155 million on three new midfielders in 2026, the summer 2027 transfer window will be all about revolutionising the defence.

United's full-back areas have been a concern for a sustained period, with many feeling they should have signed a new left-back in the most recent window. Luke Shaw is in the final year of his contract, and questions remain about Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui's future.

At the same time regarding the centre-backs, Harry Maguire is not getting any younger, while Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt are both injury prone and cannot be relied upon across a whole season.

Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are two bright stars for the future, and are expected to play significant roles at Old Trafford going forward, but could see plenty of change around them next summer.

The club want to be prepared to challenge for the Premier League title for the 2027/28 campaign, and a new defence is needed. A plethora of new full-backs and centre-backs are on the cards, and Dalot may be just one of many to make way.