Barcelona set for off-field battle with Real Madrid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate: Reports
Barcelona and Real Madrid are set for an off-field battle as they both look to sign Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot, as per reports. Los Blancos are in search of a new full-back, and it was widely believed that they would move for Liverpool's right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, the England full-back's contract at Anfield will expire in the summer of 2025, and the Spanish giants are not interested in waiting that long before signing another player. This is likely due to their ongoing concerns at right-back, with Dani Carvajal suffering a long-term injury.
According to Caught Offside, Real Madrid have turned to Manchester United in a bid to sign Diogo Dalot this January. They are believed to have already reached out to the Old Trafford hierarchy, with discussions underway about a move. However, it is uncertain if new head coach Ruben Amorim would be interested in selling a player who has played in all three games he has managed.
Diogo Dalot's future now looks even more uncertain with the emergence of Barcelona as a suitor for his services. The Catalan giants could potentially steal the deal from their Valdebebas counterparts, as Dalot may be interested in his connection with fellow countryman and sporting director Deco.
Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo spent nine years at Madrid, becoming a legend during his stint at the club. This could help sway Diogo Dalot, who played alongside the Portuguese legend at Manchester United, to the Spanish capital instead.
Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi nominated for FIFPRO World 11
Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi have both been included in the FIFPRO World 11 Men shortlist, as per Eurosport. The duo are the only players outside Europe to be nominated, with Ronaldo playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and Messi playing for Inter Miami in the US.
This is the 18th time Messi has been nominated for the award, which makes him the most-nominated player in FIFPRO World 11 history. Cristiano Ronaldo follows closely behind with 16 nominations. Both players notably missed out on the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or but their peers, who make up the votes for FIFPRO, decided otherwise.
It is uncertain if Ronaldo and Messi will make the final 11, though. Real Madrid have eight shortlisted players, while Barcelona have just one shortlisted player in Lamine Yamal. The Blaugrana notably have more nominations in the FIFPRO World Women's nominees, with seven shortlisted players.