Man United Transfer Target Produces Two Magical Moments in the Champions League to Give Porto a Huge Win

Man United Transfer Target Produces Two Magical Moments in the Champions League to Give Porto a Huge Win

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:14 PM
In this article:
English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
England
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA UCL
Europe
  • Diogo Costa, Manchester United's keeper transfer target, produced two memorable moments in the Champions League for Porto on Wednesday
  • He superbly created Porto's first goal with an 80-yard assist, then saved a penalty ten minutes later against Bayer Leverkusen
  • Fans and analysts have urged the Red Devils to swoop in on the 23-year-old Portuguese to replace David De Gea, who could leave next summer

Manchester United goalkeeper transfer target Diogo Costa produced a phenomenal performance to help Porto win big on Wednesday.

23-year-old Costa provided a spectacular 80-yard assist before stepping up and saving a penalty, as his team registered a memorable 3-0 away win over German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Diogo Costa, David De Gea, FC Porto, Manchester United, Champions League, Europa League, Premier League
Diogo Costa could replace David De Gea next summer when his contract with Manchester United expires. Photo by Alex Grimm.
Source: Getty Images

Manchester United were in the market this summer for a goalkeeper as David De Gea nears the end of Old Trafford's career. The Red Devils eventually settled for Martin Dubravka as a backup to De Gea.

However, there's optimism that the club will move for a much younger and proactive keeper to fit into Erik ten Hag's possession-based style.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

Costa's name has gained serious traction since the season started, and many fans and analysts believe the club should make him their number-one keeper.

Diogo Costa's world-class moments

On Wednesday, Costa's performance for Porto against Leverkusen was perhaps the best rehearsal for the number one spot at United, according to The Sun.

The 23-year-old flexed his passing style by pinging an 80-yard pass to Galeno, who was deep inside Leverkusen's half. Galeno did the rest by slotting past Lukas Hradecky to give the visitors an early lead.

Costa was called upon again in the 16th minute when Leverkusen were awarded a penalty. Kerem Demirbay stepped up, but Costa guessed correctly to save it.

Costa is valued at €25 million according to Transfermarkt, but reports indicate he has a release clause of €60 million.

Some fans feel United will solve the keeper problem for a decade if they sign Costa.

Pickford possibly De Gea's replacement

Sports Brief earlier reported on Everton's Jordan Pickford being touted as David De Gea's replacement as the club looks to reduce its monstrous wage bill.

The club's hierarchy is said to have doubts about whether they will activate a clause in De Gea's contract that will tie him down for one more year.

His current contract expires next year, but no solid contract extension talks have kicked off. The Spaniard has been United's starting goalkeeper since 2011, with some lauding him as a modern Man United great.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.