Manchester City’s quest to secure a long-term solution between the posts has hit a stumbling block as their initial €40 million bid for Diogo Costa has been rejected by FC Porto. The Portuguese giants have made it clear that they will not entertain offers below €60 million, the full value of Costa’s buyout clause. With City in need of a reliable shot-stopper amid uncertainty surrounding Ederson’s future, the pressure is now on to decide whether they will return with an improved offer.
The 25-year-old Costa has been one of Europe’s standout goalkeepers over the past two seasons. Commanding in the air, sharp in reflex saves, and adept at playing out from the back, he is exactly the kind of modern goalkeeper that fits Pep Guardiola’s system. City’s current No. 1, Ederson, has been inconsistent throughout the campaign, and there are growing indications that the Brazilian could be heading for the exit. With Ederson’s future uncertain and Stefan Ortega struggling to provide the necessary stability, Costa has been identified as the prime candidate to become the new defensive anchor at the Etihad.
City’s initial offer, comprising both fixed payments and performance-related add-ons, fell well short of Porto’s valuation. According to Fichajes, the Portuguese club is determined to hold firm on the €60 million clause, a stance that has complicated negotiations. Porto’s financial stability means they are under no immediate pressure to sell, and with Costa contracted until 2027, they have the leverage to demand top dollar.
Despite the setback, City remain undeterred. Guardiola is adamant that a reliable goalkeeper is essential to his tactical blueprint, especially with the club expected to undergo significant restructuring following a lacklustre season in both the Premier League and Europe. Costa’s profile, a young yet experienced international who excels both with his hands and his feet, makes him a natural successor to Ederson.
Costa’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. Since taking over as Porto’s first-choice goalkeeper, he has delivered standout performances domestically and in the Champions League, gaining a reputation for his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several European heavyweights monitoring his situation. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping tabs, making it crucial for City to act decisively.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Diogo Costa could define their transfer strategy this summer. The club’s willingness to spend heavily on a new goalkeeper signals a decisive shift in focus, and it is a move that feels necessary given Ederson’s recent decline. Costa represents the complete package: young, technically gifted, and already accustomed to playing under intense pressure.
However, City must weigh the cost as €60 million is a hefty sum for a goalkeeper, but in a market where top keepers are increasingly hard to come by, it could be a wise long-term investment. If City want to restore their dominance in both domestic and European competitions, Costa might just be the man to help them do it.
