Manchester United Considering Swoop for Porto Goalkeeper Diogo Costa
Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. The Red Devils signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan in a £47 million transfer this summer, but his performances have left a lot to be desired. With Onana set to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in January, United is exploring options to cover his absence.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, United is now targeting a move for Porto shotstopper Diogo Costa. A United representative allegedly watched Costa in action against Vizela last week. Costa, 24, has been at Porto since 2011 and made his first team debut in 2019. He became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper two years later and has since made 122 appearances, keeping 50 clean sheets.
Costa’s current contract with Porto expires in 2027, but he has a release clause of £65 million. If the move materializes, Costa will likely become United manager Erik ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Onana potentially being moved to the bench.
The potential signing of Diogo Costa could provide much-needed competition and depth in the goalkeeping department for Manchester United. Andre Onana’s poor run of form has raised concerns, and his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations would leave United without their first-choice goalkeeper for up to seven games.
Bringing in Costa would not only address the immediate need for cover but also provide a long-term solution. At just 24 years old, Costa has already established himself as a reliable and talented goalkeeper at Porto. His experience and ability to keep clean sheets make him an attractive option for Manchester United.
The scouting of Costa by a United representative indicates that the club is serious about pursuing the goalkeeper. Watching him in action against Vizela allows the club to assess his performance firsthand and determine if he would be a good fit for the team.
However, the potential transfer won’t come cheap. Costa’s release clause of £65 million is a significant sum, and negotiations with Porto would be necessary to secure his services. Manchester United has shown in the past that they are willing to invest in top talent, and if they believe Costa is the right fit, they may be willing to meet Porto’s demands.
The addition of Diogo Costa would also provide healthy competition within the squad. With Onana struggling for form, having another quality goalkeeper like Costa would push him to improve and raise his game. This competition could benefit both players and ultimately strengthen the team as a whole.
Manchester United has a rich history of successful goalkeepers, with legends like Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar gracing the Old Trafford pitch. If Costa were to join the club, he would be following in the footsteps of these greats and would have the opportunity to make his mark in United’s storied history.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s reported interest in Diogo Costa highlights their desire to strengthen their goalkeeping options. The potential signing of Costa would provide competition and depth in the squad, addressing concerns over Andre Onana’s form and his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations. While negotiations with Porto may be challenging due to Costa’s release clause, Manchester United has shown a willingness to invest in top talent. If the move materializes, Costa could become an integral part of United’s future success and continue the legacy of great goalkeepers at the club.