Huge Dalot Upgrade: Man Utd in Contact to Sign Jules Kounde

· GiveMeSport

Manchester United are set to look at defensive reinforcements in 2027

Manchester United have transformed their attack and midfield over the course of the last two summer transfer windows, and it will surely be the turn of the defence in 2027.

Man United have a plethora of central midfield options to choose from after bringing in three new players, with Carlos Baleba yet to even make his debut for the Red Devils.

In their forward line, Michael Carrick has the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Marcus Rashford to choose from, and while another new striker may be needed if Joshua Zirkzee leaves in 2027, it isn't a position that requires major surgery.

The same cannot be said about the backline, which is already coming under scrutiny seven matches into the 2026-27 season.

United looked to have a favourable start to the season in terms of fixture difficulty, but they have won only one of their five Premier League fixtures, at home to newly-promoted Ipswich Town, drawing two and losing two.

Despite facing many sides who were predicted to be battling towards the bottom of the table this term, the Red Devils have conceded eight goals in their five games, including two each against the Tractor Boys, Hull City and Everton.

They also conceded three times at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the EFL Cup, as the Seagulls became the first team in 50 years to come from 2-0 down to win at Old Trafford.

When Man Utd Signed Current First-Choice Defence

- Luke Shaw 2014 - Lisandro Martinez 2022 - Harry Maguire 2019 - Diogo Dalot 2018

With Matthijs de Ligt on the sidelines and £60m signing Leny Yoro struggling to break into the XI, United's first-choice defence this term has consisted of three players who were signed in 2019 or earlier.

It's clear that a freshen up is needed and the likes of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot shouldn't be starting as consistently as they have been for a club that is looking to kick on in the next few years.

According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have contacted United to alert them to the potential availability of Barcelona right-back Jules Kounde in 2027.

Dalot in the Premier League (2026-27)

- Appearances 5 - Starts 4 - Shots 8 - Shots on target 1 - Assists 0 - Successful crosses 2 - Duels won 47% - Defensive contributions 16 - Clean sheets 0

United will face strong competition from Chelsea though, with Xabi Alonso keen on the France international and the player said to be keen to make the move to Stamford Bridge like he almost did before making the switch to the Camp Nou.

Arsenal and Liverpool have also been contacted by the same intermediaries, with the suggestion that a move could happen as early as January.

A first-choice option at right-back for many years for Barcelona and the France national side, it would be no surprise if top Premier League clubs aren't tempted to bring the 27-year-old to England in 2027.

The Frenchman has actually found himself down the pecking order under Hansi Flick in the last 12 months, and his lack of minutes in recent weeks has only further heightened the talk that he could be on his way out of the Camp Nou next year.

What is becoming clear is that United need an elite new right-back who is playing ahead of Dalot, and Kounde more than fits the bill.

Jules Kounde for Barcelona This Season

- Appearances 5 - Starts 2 - Unused sub appearances 3 - Minutes 261

The versatile defender, who also plays at centre-back, would kill two birds with one stone for Red Devils chiefs, given a defensive overhaul looks to be needed.

Right-back has become his spot more often than not though, and it has led teammate Lamine Yamal to describe him as the 'best right-back in the world'.

Meanwhile, Dalot has been involved in suspect moments defensively this season and while he has bounced back well from adversity and criticism in the past, perhaps now is the time to bring in a first-choice right-back ahead of the Portugal international.

Read the original

People in this story

Related