Man City battle emotional ties in bid to land top goalkeeper target | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Goalkeeper Plans Complicated by Diogo Costa Loyalty

City Prioritise Diogo Costa in Goalkeeper Overhaul

Manchester City are facing a significant hurdle in their pursuit of Diogo Costa, despite what has been described as “very positive” talks with his representatives, according to Football Transfers. The Porto goalkeeper remains Pep Guardiola’s priority to replace Ederson, whose departure this summer appears increasingly likely amid renewed interest from Saudi Arabia.

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Sporting director Hugo Viana has been spearheading City’s goalkeeper strategy, actively holding discussions with Costa and his agent, Jorge Mendes. The 25-year-old is City’s number one choice to take the gloves next season, but convincing him to leave his boyhood club presents the greatest challenge.

Family and Loyalty May Block Move

Costa has been at Porto since the age of 11 and holds a deep emotional attachment to the club, having grown up idolising Vitor Baia. While City have no issue meeting Costa’s €75 million release clause, and personal terms are not seen as a sticking point, the player’s reluctance stems from a desire to remain in Portugal with his young family.

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“The only real concern sources have about the prospect of Costa moving to Man City is his deep-rooted connection with Porto,” the report states. His partner Catarina Machado and their two-year-old son are settled in the country, and the family’s comfort could prove decisive.

City Exploring Other Options

Although discussions with Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin have also taken place, City remain firmly focused on Costa. The club are preparing for the possibility of losing both Ederson and Stefan Ortega, and wants a resolution quickly.

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The fact that Viana is Portuguese, and City’s strong relationship with Mendes, who also represents Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez, could still help tip the balance. But until Costa gives his personal green light, the situation remains delicately poised.

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Diogo Costa feels like the perfect fit. He’s composed, elite with the ball at his feet, and brings the kind of calm authority that’s become a trademark of Guardiola’s goalkeepers. But what’s most impressive is how City are conducting their business—decisively, strategically, and without compromise.

It’s understandable why Costa might hesitate. Porto is home, and there’s a powerful emotional pull there. But City isn’t just another club—it’s a step into the highest tier of European football. With Ederson likely to go, the door is wide open for someone to become the next pillar of this side. And in Costa, there’s the chance to secure the position for the next decade.

The hope among fans is that Mendes and Viana can use the club’s Portuguese contingent to ease any doubts. If Costa wants trophies, a global platform, and to test himself at the very top, this is the move. It’s now a question of whether his heart can be convinced to follow his head.