Manchester United target Diogo Costa has been voted Sportsman of the Year at his current club FC Porto despite being roundly blamed in his home country of Portugal for their World Cup elimination.
Costa has been outstanding for Porto this season and his performances have attracted the attention of several of Europe’s top clubs, including United.
Three penalty saves in back-to-back Champions League games sparked buzz throughout the football world.
Three penalty saves in consecutive games for Porto!
Diogo Costa ????????????@FCPorto || #UCL pic.twitter.com/yZIGCHrt7A
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 31, 2022
Meanwhile, David de Gea’s contract at Old Trafford is coming to an end and it is unlikely that he will be renewed, given his age (32) and the amount (£375,000 per week). While a new contract at reduced salary may still be negotiated, United have been looking for replacements and it is widely reported that Costa emerged as the top name on the wish list.
Shortly before the World Cup, United reportedly asked to be kept informed of any further offers for the 23-year-old and Porto handed the star a lucrative new contract with a £75m buyout clause. euros to protect your asset.
But some nerves on the world’s biggest stage have called into question whether the goalkeeper has the mental strength to serve behind the posts at a high-pressure club like United.
A blooper in Portugal’s opener against Ghana nearly cost his team all three points when Costa rolled the ball to his feet for a kick, unaware Iñaki Williams was behind him. Williams pinched the ball but slipped at the decisive moment.
Then a mistake was punished in the quarter-finals, as Costa came on for a cross he was never going to land, allowing Youssef En-Nasyri to head in an empty goal.
The backlash from Portuguese fans has prompted FC Porto vice president Vitor Baia, a former goalkeeper, to defend Costa, saying (via Jogo):
“He is very prepared. He is a talent on all levels: balance, quality and he is going to have an incredible career. He has the world in his hands.
“Diogo is an extraordinary player, who fortunately grew up at our club and has already had an incredible career. I have already prepared him for adversity when things do not go the way you want.
United now have three decisions to make. First, if they want to replace De Gea or not. Secondly, if you think Costa at United would be the Costa who earned the accolades at FC Porto or the Costa who collapsed under pressure in Qatar. And third, they must decide if they are prepared to negotiate a price of €75m for a new goalkeeper with such a big question hanging over his head.
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