Manchester City Move Ahead in Race for Porto’s Diogo Costa as Ederson’s Future Remains Cloudy

City Zero In on Diogo Costa to Bolster Goalkeeping Ranks

Big changes could be coming in Manchester City’s goalkeeping department. After a season where Ederson struggled with injuries and started attracting big-money interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, City have turned their sights to an up-and-coming star—Diogo Costa of FC Porto. At just 25, Costa is already Portugal’s first-choice keeper and has caught the eye of several European heavyweights. But City are moving fast behind the scenes.

According to sources close to the negotiations, Costa’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is at the heart of discussions as both clubs work toward a deal. Porto set a steep €75 million release clause when Costa signed his contract, but there’s a sense that the final price could drop closer to €60 million if City push the right buttons. This hefty price tag doesn’t seem to put off Pep Guardiola, who sees Costa as the ideal fit for his playing philosophy—composed on the ball, sharp reflexes, and a reputation for commanding his area.

Last season, Costa racked up 19 clean sheets in 43 appearances and conceded 45 goals. Sure, those numbers might not scream ‘world-beater,’ but anyone who’s watched Porto knows how much heavy lifting Costa has done behind a shaky back line. He’s known for saving his team’s skin in crunch moments—a trait City sorely missed during Ederson’s spells on the sideline.

Ederson Clouds and a New Era in City’s Goal

Ederson’s uncertain future is what’s really pushing City to act now. With fresh offers lining up from Saudi Arabia, the current No. 1 could move on sooner than expected. His contract officially runs until 2026, but there’s growing acceptance among fans and insiders that this summer might be the right time for both parties to part ways—especially with the lure of a lucrative payday abroad and a mounting injury record.

It’s clear City’s management doesn’t want a repeat of last summer’s dragged-out transfer stories. They’re trying to tie up the Costa deal well before the pre-season grind begins. Some rivals are circling too—Manchester United, in particular, are reportedly keen to find a new shot-stopper in case André Onana doesn’t rediscover top form—but City have already leapfrogged them in the chase. Word is, Costa himself has signaled he’s happy to make Manchester his new home as early as the 2025-26 season, which might bring Guardiola’s goalkeeper search to a quick end.

If the deal goes through, expect City to use Costa’s strengths as a launchpad for a new-look defense. He’s got the profile to be more than just a replacement; he could be the backbone of City’s next era between the sticks. With the summer transfer window heating up and the club looking to bounce back from a season with more blips than usual, this is one move that could set the tone for Guardiola’s ambitions moving forward.