According to sources in Portugal, Manchester United is finalizing a bid for FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, since Erik ten Hag is unhappy with David de Gea
Is David De Gea quitting Manchester United?
Recent rumors suggest that De Gea may stay at Old Trafford, with talkSPORT stating that the Spaniard is ready to turn down a hefty offer from Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that there are no guarantees he will remain as number one.
However, transfer insider Dean Jones believes the 32-year-old could retain his starting spot, telling GiveMeSport: “The contract is basically drawn up at this point for him, so it’s difficult to see a situation whereby the De Gea doesn’t stay now on a new contract, so it’s really about finding that backup goalkeeper.”
Despite the fact that a new deal is on the table for the goalkeeper, rumors from Portugal’s Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness) say that the Red Devils are nearing completion on a bid for Costa, who has a €75 million (£64 million) release clause in his FC Porto contract.
That price tag should not be a barrier for United, who have advanced in their pursuit of the 23-year-old after scouting him several times last season.
Ten Hag is unhappy with De Gea, and the Porto goalkeeper’s coming has the approval of the board, as well as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot. Agent Jorge Mendes is presently working on the deal.
Should Manchester United replace David De Gea?
Although he has been a tremendous servant to Manchester United, appearing in 545 games, the Madrid-born goalkeeper is perhaps not the player he once was.
The 45-year-old Spain international committed two errors leading to goals in the top tier, which was tied for fourth most in the league, with errors creeping into his game more and more.
Costa has some evidence that he might be a top-tier replacement, ranking in the 98th percentile for goals against per 90 minutes over the past year when compared to goalkeepers of a comparable caliber, and in the 95th for clean sheet percentage (according to FBref).
The Portuguese international has been dubbed “sensational” by the media, and he has also been hailed for his record of saving penalties, which suggests he could be an upgrade over De Gea, who has a dismal record in shootouts.
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