Manchester City, the Premier League giants, are poised to reshape their goalkeeping future with a €60 million bid for FC Porto’s star goalkeeper Diogo Costa, as they brace for the potential departure of their long-standing No. 1, Ederson. The Brazilian shot-stopper, a cornerstone of City’s success under Pep Guardiola, is reportedly nearing a move to Turkish champions Galatasaray, prompting the club to act swiftly in the transfer market. With new sporting director Hugo Viana leading the charge, City’s pursuit of the 25-year-old Portuguese international, who has also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, underscores their urgency to secure a world-class replacement. As the summer transfer window heats up, this move could mark a pivotal shift for a club determined to reclaim their dominance after a challenging 2024-25 season.
Ederson’s future has been uncertain for months, with persistent interest from Galatasaray and earlier links to Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad. “He has to make a decision,” Guardiola said earlier this year, acknowledging Ederson’s right to explore new opportunities after a glittering tenure that includes six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. Galatasaray’s reported €3 million offer was deemed insufficient, with City valuing the 31-year-old at around €20 million, though personal terms for a £5.1 million-per-year deal have been agreed. Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno also harbors ambitions to become a first-choice stopper elsewhere, adding further complexity to City’s goalkeeping situation. “The club’s goalkeeper department, one of the most settled in recent years, is now in a state of flux,” a club insider noted, highlighting the need for swift action.
Enter Diogo Costa, a player long admired by City for his exceptional shot-stopping, precise distribution, and composure under pressure—qualities that align perfectly with Guardiola’s demands for a modern goalkeeper. The Porto captain, who has won two Portuguese league titles and made history at Euro 2024 by saving three consecutive penalties against Slovenia, is seen as the ideal successor. “Diogo Costa has been a long-standing name on City’s radar,” a source close to the club revealed, emphasizing the 25-year-old’s fit for Guardiola’s system. With a €75 million release clause in his contract, which runs until 2027, City’s proposed €60 million offer, potentially including add-ons, aims to secure a deal below Porto’s asking price. The appointment of Hugo Viana, formerly of Sporting Lisbon, as sporting director has accelerated negotiations, leveraging his deep ties to Portuguese football and connections with super-agent Jorge Mendes.
City’s interest in Costa isn’t their only contingency plan. The club is also eyeing a potential return for academy graduate James Trafford, now at Burnley, with a £40 million buy-back clause in play. “City are in discussions to try and lower that figure,” an insider disclosed, noting that Trafford could serve as a long-term backup to Costa if both Ederson and Ortega depart. This dual strategy reflects City’s proactive approach to rebuilding a squad that struggled last season, finishing fifth in the Premier League despite high-profile signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. The departure of key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker has further underscored the need for stability in goal.
The urgency of City’s move for Costa is heightened by competition from PSG, who may target the Portuguese star as a replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose future in Paris is uncertain. “Manchester City are aiming to work swiftly in the market,” a transfer expert observed, noting the risk of a bidding war. Costa’s credentials are undeniable: he leads Portugal’s top flight in clean sheets this season, with a save percentage among the league’s best, and his ability to distribute the ball mirrors Ederson’s style. “He’s very effective and measurably among the best in Portugal,” a scout remarked, citing Costa’s ability to outperform expected saves by 3.2 shots on target this season.
As City prepare for their Community Shield clash against Tottenham on August 10, the goalkeeping situation remains a focal point. The addition of Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea as a third-choice option provides depth, but Costa’s potential arrival signals a new era. With Ederson’s exit looming, City fans are eager to see if Costa can replicate the Brazilian’s transformative impact, which began with his £34.7 million move from Benfica in 2017. “I like everything about Manchester City,” Ederson said upon joining, a sentiment Costa might soon echo as the club looks to restore its Premier League dominance with a new guardian between the posts.
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