Manchester United are ready to table a mammoth offer for FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as David de Gea’s future remains in severe doubt.
As per Fichajes, Manchester United will be shelling out a staggering €75 million for the arrival of Diogo Costa from FC Porto. The Portuguese international is considered to be the Red Devils’ priority to replace current number one David de Gea. And he is also a target for Barcelona.
David de Gea’s current contract runs until the end of the season, and things are increasingly looking difficult for the Spanish custodian. The 32-year-old does have a one-year extension clause in his contract. But there hasn’t been any kind of indication from Manchester United that they are willing to trigger that option.
It is suggested the Red Devils want him to put pen to paper on a new deal with a much lesser salary reflecting his current status. Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, de Gea is currently Manchester United’s highest-paid player with a weekly salary of £375,000. And his massive pay package could be a major sticking point if he is to be offered another new contract.
Meanwhile, Diogo Costa has been labelled as the future of Portuguese football, and he was involved in Portugal’s World Cup journey in full capacity. The youngster has already been tipped to secure a high-value move to one of the top European clubs. And it seems Manchester could be his destination after recently initiating contact for him.
Having already ensured an extension recently, FC Porto will now use the leverage to grind out the maximum from an interested party. The 23-year-old would command a higher fee than anticipated and could eclipse the fee Chelsea paid for Kepa Arizzabalaga. For now, Manchester United are ready to pay €75 million to sign the Portuguese international, a target for Barcelona.
Costa ticks all the boxes to satisfy Erik ten Hag’s demands. Most importantly, his ability to distribute the ball perfectly has been one of his finer aspects. The Manchester United manager has had to work on de Gea’s ball-playing skills. But the Spaniard is yet to reach that designated level, leaving the club on the edge.
As for Barcelona, the Blaugrana might lose Marc-Andre ter Stegen amid interest from Bayern Munich. With the German goalkeeper also on the wrong side of 30, Costa is a viable target. But paying €75 million on one player is unlikely for Barcelona. So Manchester United will likely be in pole position to sign him.
