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Portuguese fullback Diogo Dalot believes that rumored Manchester United transfer target Diogo Costa has the potential to become one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers some day in the future.
Costa, who is 23-years-old, is rumored to be the man chosen to replace David de Gea between the Old Trafford posts, despite de Gea signing a new contract amidst mounting criticism of his recent performances.
De Gea is undoubtedly experiencing his worst run of form since joining Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, having committed yet another gaffe in Sunday’s dreadful 1-0 loss at West Ham.
The succession of errors committed by the Spaniard has prompted manager Erik ten Hag and his recruitment staff to discuss signing a new goalkeeper this summer who could compete for the gloves next season.
Dalot: ‘Costa Has The Capacity To Be World Class’
It is believed that one of them is rising Porto sensation Costa, a close friend and international teammate of United defender Dalot.
“I grew up with him, he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us,” Dalot, who also came through Porto’s academy and is just six months older than Costa, told Portuguese press via Mais Futebol.
“I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be a world reference,” the footballer told the newspaper.
Costa has started routinely for Porto for less than two seasons, but he has been named his country’s first-choice player and started for his nation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last year.
The Portugal international’s outstanding distribution is a hallmark of his game, which Red Devils manager Ten Hag would appreciate in contrast to De Gea’s poor skill with the ball at his feet.
Dalot was keen not to get overexcited at the prospect of his friend and compatriot joining Man United.
“I don’t know if he’ll be at Manchester United or another big club in Europe,” he said.
“He shows at FC Porto that he is a differential goalkeeper and has helped the club a lot,” Dalot explained, “If he continues there, I’ll be extremely happy. If he leaves, I hope he has the greatest success in the world.”
Costa Could Cost Man United A Serious Fee
United would have to pay a substantial transfer fee to pry Costa away from Porto, according to reports originating from his home country.
German football valuation website transfermarkt.com estimates the goalkeepers value to be 45 million euros as of now.
However, the in-demand goalkeeper reportedly has a €75 million (£65.1 million) release clause in his contract, which runs until 2027, and is represented by the experienced football agent Jorge Mendes.
If Costa moves to Old Trafford, he will have to compete with De Gea to gain the trust of Ten Hag before ever getting time of the field of play. The manager backed his current ‘keeper after his latest error on Sunday.
“[De Gea] has the most clean sheets in the league, so we would not be here in this position without him,” the Man United manager told the media after his side’s 1-0 loss to West Ham at the weekend.
“He fully has my belief. No concerns with him. It happens but as a team you have to deal with it, show character, be resilient and bounce back. We want him to stay and extend his contract.”
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