Barcelona sporting director Deco was in attendance when FC Porto locked horns with Manchester United in the Champions League this midweek.
According to Miguel Rico (h/t FCB World), Deco was keeping close tabs on two players in particular: Nico Gonzalez and Diogo Costa.
Diogo Costa: A long-term goalkeeping solution?
Barcelona are short-staffed in the goalkeeping department right now following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term injury.
Although Wojciech Szczesny was signed to add more experience to the table, Barcelona are eyeing a long-term solution in the goalkeeping department, considering the fact that ter Stegen is not getting any younger.
To that end, Diogo Costa has emerged as a potential option for Barcelona. The Portuguese international has been a consistent performer in recent years and could be an ideal replacement for ter Stegen.
Barcelona believe signing a top-class goalkeeper could be a priority next season and that is where Costa comes into the fray.
Acquiring his services, though, could prove to be tricky as Costa’s contract at Porto does not expire until 2027. He is also valued at a hefty €45 million.
Nico: An ideal addition to Barcelona midfield?
Nico has emerged as another target for FC Barcelona, as they look to also shore up their ranks in midfield next summer.
With Frenkie de Jong facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou, bringing back a former La Masia prodigy such as Nico could prove to be a smart move for the Catalan.
Nico has been terrific for FC Porto this season, flourishing in an advanced role and emerging as a creative firepower in the middle third of the pitch.
Barcelona have an option to re-sign Nico for a fee of just €30 million, though it remains to be seen whether it fits the club’s current economic condition. Barça have until the end of the ongoing season to make a decision on Nico.
