English Premier League giants Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Portuguese international Diogo Costa from Porto.
Diogo Costa joined the CB Povoa Lanhoso youth academy at a very young age. He coached for two years at the club before joining Portuguese club Porto’s youth setup.
Costa then rose through the ranks and played for Porto’s reserve team. The goalkeeper helped the Portuguese club win the UEFA Youth League title in 2019. His pivotal performance in the tournament did not go unnoticed and the goalkeeper was soon promoted to Porto’s senior team. Costa won a domestic double with Porto in his first season with the club.
Ultimately, the goalkeeper was named a starter in 2021. He helped Porto win another domestic double and was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year. Diogo Costa has represented Portugal in many youth categories. The goalkeeper helped the Portuguese team win the European Under-17 and Under-19 Championship. In 2021, the Porto goalkeeper made his senior debut for Portugal.
Manchester United monitoring Diogo Costa
Since joining United in early 2011, David de Gea has been the Red Devils’ undisputed starter for a decade. However, the Spaniard has entered the last year of his contract, which will end in the summer of 2023.
United then have a one-year extension option for the custodian, but that will end, and De Gea will be 34. Therefore, the Red Devils are already looking for options, who can be a long-term replacement for the Spanish international.
Now, according to a report by Correio de Manha, the Red Devils have identified Diogo Costa as their main target to replace the Spanish goalkeeper.
The Portuguese goalkeeper has a long contract with Porto that will run until 2026. He is currently one of the best young talents in world football. In addition to Manchester United, the custodian has interests in Spanish giant FC Barcelona.
The Catalan team wants to sign him as a long-term replacement for their German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. After having two bad seasons, Stegen has performed well this term. However, the goalkeeper continues to make mistakes that are costing Barcelona. Therefore, they are trying to find someone who can compete with him.
Despite Barcelona’s financial problems, they have shown a desire to spend money on talented players. So Manchester United will have to move fast if they want to secure the goalkeeper.
Diogo Costa is expected to start for the Portuguese national team at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar 2022. Good performances in the perennial event will see his shares rise.
Manchester United will play their next game against West Ham United.
