Porto’s Diogo Costa is on his way to becoming a ‘world-class goalkeeper’ amid reports linking the Portugal international with Premier League duo Manchester United and Newcastle, World Cup winner Iker Casillas tells O Jogo.
David de Gea’s last-gasp heroics during Sunday’s nerve-shredding 1-0 triumph over West Ham felt like a timely reminder that, when it comes to producing truly awe-inspiring saves when the pressure is on, there are few better.
Even Man of the Match display against the Hammers, however, will not silence the speculation over the Spaniard’s Old Trafford future. Erik Ten Hag wants a ‘number one’ equally comfortable with his feet as he is with his hands.
Now, De Gea has certainly improved his distribution under the former Ajax boss. But reports linking a resurgent Man United with one of Europe’s most technically-gifted goalkeepers are not going anywhere.
Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa a target for Manchester United and Newcasatle
Per The Athletic, Ten Hag’s staff are keeping very close tabs on the Switzerland-born Costa. And they’re not the only ones.
According to JN, Newcastle are weighing up an approach of their own. Costa, the most exciting goalkeeper to emerge in Portugal since Man City’s Ederson, has a £50 million release clause.
One that is unlikely to put Newcastle off.
“Diogo Costa is becoming a world-class goalkeeper,” says Casillas; the Real Madrid icon who spent a brief spell at Porto towards the end of his silver-coated career. “He’s a star. He’s going to be a great goalkeeper.”
According to Vitor Baia, Porto legend-turned-vice-president, there is no ‘becoming’ about it. Costa, he says, already belongs at the top of the tree.
“He is already the best in the world!” Baia claims.
In October, Costa became the first goalkeeper ever to save a penalty and grab an assist in a single Champions League match, shining at both ends during Porto’s 3-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen while showcasing both sides of his game; that remarkable passing range and his staggering track record in spot-kick scenarios.
Costa has saved no fewer than three penalties in this season’s group stage alone.
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