Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa next summer.
Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils boss, wants a new No.1 to replace David de Gea, whose contract expires at the end of the season. While the club are expected to exercise a one-year extension clause, De Gea would apparently become second-choice if Ten Hag succeeds in bringing in a goalkeeper of his choice.
According to Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha (h/t Sports Witness), Manchester United will need to trigger Diogo Costa’s hefty €75m release clause to land the FC Porto shot-stopper.
Costa, 23, was a key figure in Portugal’s run to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, playing every minute of their five matches, although he was partly at fault for Morocco’s only goal during his nation’s elimination. He has been excellent in the Primeira Liga, keeping nine clean sheets in 19 games this campaign as FC Porto boasts of the best defensive record in the division.
Porto are holding out for a massive fee for Costa and will not entertain any offers below €75m during the January transfer window, the report adds.
Diogo Costa to Man United—Should the Red Devils splash big on him?
Manchester United are on the lookout for a fresh face in between the sticks, with the future of David de Gea in question.
De Gea, 32, is set to enter the final six months of his contract and will be free to sign a pre-contract deal with a European club from January 1, 2023. However, the Spaniard, who was omitted from the World Cup squad, made some high-profile errors earlier this season and isn’t the best of distributors from his feet. Plus, his weekly wages are currently the highest for any goalkeeper in world football.
So, Man United are in talks with De Gea over a new deal but on lower terms. The Red Devils are determined to keep the 32-year-old as he is still one of the best when it comes to reflexes and shot-stopping ability.
By agreeing on a new deal with the Spanish international, the club wants to stabilise their wage structure. And with Martin Dubravka set to return to Newcastle United after the end of his loan spell, Tom Heaton’s contract also expiring, and on-loan Dean Henderson facing an uncertain future, Man United are right in wanting a new goalkeeper.
FC Porto star Diogo Costa, in that regard, could be an ideal fit for Ten Hag’s system at Old Trafford. A product of Porto’s youth academy, Costa came through the system and took the reins as the number one at the club during the 2021-22 season, playing 43 times in all formats as the Dragons won a league and cup double under Sergio Conceicao.
Portugal’s new No.1 only recently signed a contract extension with the club until 2027, with the new deal now protected with a €75m release clause. At 23, Costa is highly rated across Europe and there are a number of clubs vying for his signature.
Ten Hag wants a goalie who is more comfortable with the ball at his feet to build up play from the back, as he did with his famous Ajax side. Costa has the ingredients to thrive under Ten Hag and replace De Gea as United’s new No.1 next season.
For the Red Devils to challenge the likes of Man City and Liverpool and become successful again, they must reinforce the goalkeeping unit. And that should start with splashing big on Costa.