In a recent report, Sport offered an update on Barcelona and their pursuit of FC Porto keeper Diogo Costa. It has been revealed that the Catalan club would have to pay €45m to sign the Portuguese talent but could face competition from Manchester City in pursuit of him next year.
Costa’s Impressive Form In Portugal This Season
Costa has made an impressive start to this campaign as he has put in a run of impressive displays for Porto in Liga Portugal. The Portuguese shot-stopper has featured in 12 matches for his current employers this season, conceding 13 goals and keeping six clean sheets in all competitions.
The 25-year-old has caught the eye with his performances in Europe based on his average of 2.0 clearances and 7.7 long balls per game in the UEFA Europa League. He has even distributed possession relatively well from the back after completing 77.5% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Portuguese club will expire in the summer of 2027. Hence, Barcelona would have no choice but to meet Porto’s demands if they want to sign their prized asset next year.
Should Barcelona Boss Hansi Flick Go For Costa?
Costa can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks as he can use his quick reflexes to make a few important saves for his team. He is a solid handler of the ball as well and usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot.
Standing at 1.86m, the Portuguese sensation can be a towering presence inside his penalty area. He is an accurate passer of the ball as well but might need some time to adjust to life in Spanish football if Barcelona manage to land him next year.
We can expect Costa to enhance the quality of Barca boss Hansi Flick’s squad. At 25, he has his peak years ahead of him which makes him a worthy target for the Catalan giants to consider in 2025.
Costa could even be a good, long-term successor to Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the Nou Camp. Thus, it makes sense for Flick to go for a keeper of his quality this January or at the end of this campaign.
