Manchester City offer €40 million to sign Manchester United target Diogo Costa
As the season winds down, Manchester United find themselves with plenty to reflect on. Their performances in the Premier League have been dismal, with glaring flaws across multiple positions brutally exposed. However, a glimmer of hope remains, the Red Devils have secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, and winning the tournament now appears to be their only realistic path to European football next season. Securing a place in the Champions League would not only salvage some pride but also make it significantly easier to attract top-tier talent in the summer transfer window.
One of the most urgent areas of concern is between the posts. United have suffered immensely this season due to the poor form of first-choice goalkeeper André Onana. Far from replicating the outstanding performances he delivered at Inter Milan, the Cameroonian has been error-prone, committing costly mistakes in crucial matches.
There is a growing consensus within the club that relying on Onana as the first-choice goalkeeper next season would be a major risk. As a result, United are expected to actively explore options for a new, dependable shot-stopper, someone capable of delivering the consistency and confidence needed to rebuild the defensive foundations for the campaigns ahead.
Will Manchester United respond?
CaughtOffside claim that Manchester United are among the clubs showing strong interest in signing FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer. Now, the same source has reiterated that Porto are open to selling Costa, who has a €75 million release clause, for a fee closer to €60 million, making him an increasingly attainable target.
However, United’s pursuit faces a major complication. Rivals Manchester City have reportedly tabled a €40 million bid for Costa, adding significant pressure on the Red Devils as they look to strengthen their squad under Ruben Amorim. With City also eyeing the talented shot-stopper, United must act decisively if they want to land one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers ahead of next season.
Crucially, Pep Guardiola’s side are said to be preparing an improved offer in the coming days, putting Manchester United at serious risk of losing ground in the race for the talented shot-stopper. United, who have been long-time admirers of Costa, must move swiftly if they are to stand any chance of securing his signature ahead of their city rivals.
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Costa’s performances this season underline why he is so highly sought after. In the 2024/25 Liga NOS campaign, he has conceded just 23 goals and kept 15 clean sheets across 30 matches. On average, Porto conceded only one goal every 117 minutes when Costa is between the posts. His goals conceded per 90 minutes stands at an impressive 0.77, and he boasts a save percentage of 66.67%, having stopped 52 of the 78 shots he has faced.
Costa stands out as one of Europe’s premier goalkeepers, renowned for his outstanding shot-stopping ability, commanding presence, and modern sweeper-keeper instincts. His precise distribution, calmness under pressure, and talent for launching attacks with pinpoint long balls make him a rare breed. At just 25 years old, Costa’s leadership qualities and experience at the international level with Portugal already mark him as a game-changing talent.
If United are serious about rebuilding a squad capable of competing for major honours, adding a player of Costa’s calibre between the posts is non-negotiable. They must move swiftly, or risk watching another talent slip away.