Manchester Unite have been targeted to sign Diogo Costa to replace David de Gea, despite the fact that the Portuguese star recently signed a new contract with FC Porto.
Costa signed an extension that takes his contract to 2027 ahead of the FIFA World Cup and, in doing so, raised his minimum fee release clause from €60m to €75m.
But, speaking to Radio Renascença, former Porto player Domingos Paciência said that a move to a top European club remains a big possibility.
Paciência supported the 23-year-old in realizing his potential to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world despite a relatively disappointing World Cup campaign with the Seleção.
“He starts to mature, depending on the number of games he plays. We see him getting better, more capable and as a goalkeeper who will be the number one in the national team and in FC Porto for many years to come”. (Quotes via SportsWitness)
And the former striker does not believe that Costa’s release clause poses a big stumbling block at all.
“Today it is not difficult to overcome that clause and, as such, it could happen with Diogo Costa, because anyone who is attentive to football knows that he is one of the best in the world.”
Manchester United have been linked with a swath of goalkeepers as possible replacements for David de Gea.
The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the current season and while the Red Devils have the option to extend his contract for a further twelve months, it is unlikely they will exercise that clause.
Instead, negotiations are underway to reduce De Gea’s £375,000 a week salary, and while those talks continue, it is unlikely the club will look for a goalkeeper at the price Diogo Costa would pay.
If the discussion with De Gea fails, that could change.
Ten Hag’s attempts to modernize United’s game with a goalkeeper more comfortable in possession of the ball would, in such a case, make Costa the prime candidate for a trade at Old Trafford.
