According to reports from Portugal, Manchester United is putting the finishing touches on an offer for FC Porto custodian Diogo Costa because Erik ten Hag is dissatisfied with David de Gea.
David De Gea is he leaving Manchester United?
De Gea is reportedly set to reject a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, according to talkSPORT, even though there are no guarantees that he will keep his position as the team’s starting custodian. These recent reports suggest that De Gea may stay at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old could, according to transfer expert Dean Jones, who recently told 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 custodian.”
The custodian has a new contract on the table, but according to reports from Portugal’s Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), the Red Devils are close to making an offer to Costa, who is under contract to FC Porto and has a €75 million (£64 million) release clause.
After scouting the 23-year-old on several occasions last season, United is now moving forward in their pursuit of him, so the price tag shouldn’t be a problem.
Ten Hag is not pleased with De Gea, and agent Jorge Mendes is currently working on the transfer. Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and the board all support bringing in the Porto custodian.
De Gea should be replaced by Man United.
The Madrid-born custodian, who has made a total of 545 appearances for Man United, has undoubtedly been a great servant to the team, but he may no longer be the player he once was.
The 45-time Spain international made two mistakes that resulted in goals in the top division, which tied for the fourth-highest total in the division. Mistakes are beginning to appear more frequently in his play.
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When compared to goalkeepers performing at a similar level over the past year, Costa ranks in the 98th percentile for goals against per 90 minutes and in the 95th for his clean sheet percentage (according to FBref), providing some evidence that he might be a top-quality replacement.
The Portugal international has been hailed as “sensational” by the media. He has also received praise for his track record of stopping penalties, which suggests he might be an improvement over De Gea given the Spaniard’s dismal record in shootouts.
