Man City close in on beating Man United to £51m transfer coup as star 'green lights' major deal
Man City and Man United look to be in a battle to sign the Portuguese star, who has a £64m release clause.
Man City have a dilemma at the goalkeeper position this year, as Ederson has just one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and City will need to find their long-term replacement for him.
However, whether they decide to address the position this summer or wait until Ederson leaves as a free agent next year. He has previously been linked with moving to the Saudi Pro League.
City have been linked to a goalkeeper in the Portuguese league, but they face competition to sign him as Man United are looking to replace Andre Onana after a series a poor performances from the Cameroon international.
Man City meet with Costa
Porto’s Diogo Costa is set to be in demand this summer as he has been one of the most solid keepers in Europe’s top leagues this season. Costa has made 41 appearances for Porto this season, conceding just 44 goals and keeping an impressive 18 clean sheets.
Due to his performances, Man City have identified him as a replacement for Ederson, and are looking to sign him for less than his £64 million release clause. They face strong competition, however, as Costa has reportedly become Man United’s first choice as a replacement for Andre Onana, who they could sell this summer.
According to a report by SkySportCH, City’s goalkeeper coach Xabier Mancisidor has had a meeting with Costa, and the Portuguese international has given the ‘green light’ for a move to happen. Porto are adamant that they won’t sell Costa for less than his £64m release clause, however, Man City are hoping to pay less, and want to offer £51m instead, hoping that it will tempt the Portuguese side to sell.
However, they may need to be careful with Man United also interested. The Red Devils could swoop in and agree to pay the £64m release clause ahead of City as they negotiate, so it could become a situation to keep an eye on this summer.
Will City keep Ederson this summer?
Ederson has had a more limited season this year than any at the Etihad since he joined in 2017 from Benfica. Stefan Ortega has been given more minutes than ever, and with Ederson’s injury struggles more prevalent this season, his future has never been in more doubt.
According to Transfermarkt, the keeper still has an estimated value of over £20m, so City could decide to sell him this summer in order to get some form of return back. Saudi Pro League clubs are expected to move for the Brazilian keeper should City decide to sell him this summer; however, the keeper sounds committed to next season at Man City.
He told ESPN Brasil: “If we were at our best, we’d definitely be fighting for the Premier League title. Our main goal is to qualify for the Champions League because next season, the players win, the club wins, and everyone wins. More money for the club, more prestige to play this competition. It would be a big blow if we didn’t qualify.”
City are currently fourth in the Premier League table with just four games to go. They are just one point ahead of Chelsea in fifth, with the top five in the league all qualifying for the Champions League next season.