As has already been reported, Barcelona are seriously considering signing a top-level goalkeeper in the summer transfer market.
While the Catalan club await Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s recovery from a long-term injury, they have decided that it is time to find a medium to long-term replacement for the club captain.
As such, reports suggested that FC Porto’s Portuguese international goalkeeper Diogo Costa from Porto has emerged as one of their preferred options.
The Blaugrana sporting department has been tracking Costa for some time now, with director Deco even watching him in action personally during Porto’s recent Europa League game against Manchester United.
Manchester City enter the fray
However, Barcelona are at risk of missing out on Diogo Costa thanks to Manchester City’s recent entry into the race as part of their new sporting project, reports SPORT.
The 25-year-old’s pursuit was already complicated by his valuation and the Premier League champions venturing into the picture makes things even more difficult for Barça.
As per the update, Manchester City have already begun working to advance negotiations. The English champions’ plan involves selling Ederson, whose contract expires in 2026, and acquiring the Portuguese goalkeeper in the next summer.
This move nearly materialised a few months ago when Ederson received significant offers from Saudi Arabia, with the Cityzens willing to facilitate his departure. In the end, though, both moves fell through.
Both Ederson and Costa are represented by Jorge Mendes, who would be interested in facilitating this exchange. The FC Porto star has a release clause of €75 million, though City are only willing to pay around €40 million for him – a figure his club might accept.
Barcelona’s financial constraints could prove costly in this pursuit.
Despite having potential bargaining chips, including their percentage stake in Nico Gonzalez and Porto’s previous interest in players like Mika Faye and Vitor Roque, they find themselves at a disadvantage against Man City’s financial might.
