Manchester United have been told to address a key position in the transfer market, and one of the club’s long-term targets might be available at a snip after being the subject of a £17m bid
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been told to address a key position in his team(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United may have just learned that long-time target and Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa could be available for a bargain price.
United are facing a goalkeeping dilemma after Ruben Amorim dropped Andre Onana in favour of Altay Bayindir during the team’s opening loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Despite showing signs of improvement against the Gunners at Old Trafford, Amorim’s side left without any points. A mistake from Bayindir gifted Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori the winning goal.
United have been linked with PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez during the transfer window. However, Porto’s Costa would be a smart solution to United’s goalkeeping issue following an unexpected transfer bid.
Sky Germany has reported that Galatasaray have made a £17million offer for Costa, which is likely to be turned down by Porto. It’s suggested that the Turkish side see Costa as an alternative target as they continue to aim for Manchester City star Ederson.
Porto captain Costa, 25, has been consistently linked with a switch to Old Trafford. He was reportedly among the candidates to replace David De Gea at United before Onana arrived at the club in 2023.
The shot-stopper is claimed to have a £63m release clause in his contract, which runs for another two years. However, Galatasaray clearly think they can get him for much cheaper after tabling just £17m. This could also offer a straightforward solution for United, given the reported competition from City for Donnarumma’s signature and the club’s limited budget remaining.
Manchester United have been linked with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa since 2023(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
It’s understood that United are currently prioritising a midfielder over a goalkeeper before the September deadline. However, the need for a new keeper was clear on the weekend after Bayindir’s costly error and Amorim’s confirmation that Onana’s exclusion wasn’t down to an injury. When questioned if Onana’s absence was due to fitness issues, Amorim replied: “No (he is not injured), he’s recovered but the other guys did so well during pre-season, so I need to balance that.”
Bayindir replaced him between the posts for United, but did little to establish himself as the team’s permanent number one. The 27-year-old has made 12 appearances for United since joining from Fenerbahce two years ago. Former United captain Roy Keane heavily criticised the Turkey international for his part in Arsenal’s winning goal.
“Credit to Arsenal – they vary the delivery; they’re attacking it. But if you’re the goalkeeper, take control of the six-yard box,” Keane said on Sky Sports. “Keepers and defenders complain all the time about people getting in their face. You get in their face. Be aggressive.
“I’ve said it many times for a goalkeeper – come with violence. Take control of it. Far too easy. It’s like schoolboy stuff. Man United – weak and soft.”
Manchester United goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have been scrutinised during their time at the club(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Keane’s former team-mate, Gary Neville, agreed with the ex-United skipper. The pundit admitted that he wanted United to target either Donnarumma or Martinez due to their commanding presence and strong personalities, traits he believes are missing in the club’s current goalkeeping options.
“The reason I think they would be good goalkeepers for Man Utd is not necessarily because they are the best goalkeepers in Europe, but they are big personalities and characters,” he stated on The Gary Neville Podcast.
“You’ve seen Donnarumma in a European final save those penalties for Italy. He looked like a giant. He’s played for PSG in huge games under pressure. Martinez has played in the World Cup final and won it for Argentina.
“They have played under extreme pressure and they almost walk out with that arrogance and dominance of a goalkeeper – Man United need that.”