Manchester United have announced the signing of Diogo Dalot from FC Porto this afternoon. The Portuguese right back, who only made his debut for the side he’d represented since youth level earlier this year, has become Jose Mourinho’s first transfer of the summer with Shakhtar Dontesk’s Fred expected to confirm his transfer from the Ukranian side imminently.
The total price that Manchester United are paying for Diogo Dalot is 22 million euros. In a statement issued by FC Porto.
Porto confirm United have paid €22m for Diogo Dalot. #mufc [@PortuBall] pic.twitter.com/felFcip64t
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) June 6, 2018
Speaking to Manutd.com, Mourinho had this to say on the signing of 19-year old Dalot:
“Diogo is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club. He has all the attributes that a full-back needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality, combined with a Porto Academy mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at the professional level. In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe and we all believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United.”
Dalot had this to say on the move: “Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me. I have grown up in Porto’s Academy and I am so thankful for everything they have done for me. But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down. I’m excited about working with Jose Mourinho and learning everything I can from such a successful coach. I am looking forward to playing alongside the fantastic players in the squad.”
It’s clear from Mourinho’s comments that he holds Dalot in very high regard, which is particularly impressive given that the Portuguese’s senior career is in its infancy. Still, the former Chelsea boss wouldn’t push the boat out to sign any youngster, and he must clearly believe that Dalot is capable of challenging Antonio Valencia for the right back berth in the short term, and potentially as a permanent replacement.
