Ederson may have stayed at Manchester City in the summer, but there remains speculation about his future.
The Brazilian stopper was a target for the Saudi Pro League during the last window. Al-Ittihad were particularly interested in signing Ederson.
But in the end, nothing materialised, and the former Benfica man is now into his eighth season at the Etihad Stadium.
Stefan Ortega signed a new contract a few months ago, which perhaps indicates he still feels he has a chance to become the number one for Manchester City. Ederson is therefore still being linked with an exit.
Today, one report has claimed that City are looking at Diogo Costa of FC Porto – and shared details of how much the club would be willing to pay.
Man City value goalkeeper target Diogo Costa at £38-£42 million
It has been reported today by Caught Offside that Manchester City are keen on Diogo Costa in case Ederson leaves next year.
Costa has been with Porto since 2011, joining the club’s academy after spells with AMCH Ringe and CB Póvoa Lanhoso. He made his first-team debut in September 2019 and has gone on to make 165 appearances for the club.
Costa also has international pedigree, having received 29 Portugal caps to date.
It was reported back in May that Manchester City were keen on Costa, amid speculation about Ederson’s future.
It was then claimed that Costa ‘won over’ Pep Guardiola after saving three penalties in Portugal’s shoot-out victory over Georgia at Euro 2024.
Now, there is more speculation about City and Costa.
It is stated by Caught Offside that Costa has a buyout clause of around £62.8 million, but City believe this is too high. They value the player more around the £38-£42 million mark. So at least £20 million lower.
Man City should promote Ortega if Ederson leaves
So Costa is still on City’s transfer radar as a possible replacement for Ederson if he departs.
But there is an argument to say that Ortega should become City’s number one in case the Brazilian does leave.
Ortega has rarely let Pep Guardiola down when he has come into the team. We have seen some really clutch moments from him, with his save from Heung-min Son against Tottenham Hotspur last season essentially winning City a fourth straight league title.
| Diogo Costa (stats for FC Porto, 2023/24) | Ederson (stats for Man City, 2023/24) | Stefan Ortega (stats for Man City, 2023/24) |
| Appearances – 41 | Appearances – 41 | Appearances – 20 |
| Clean sheets – 15 | Clean sheets – 11 | Clean sheets – 5 |
| Goals against – 34 | Goals against – 34 | Goals against – 20 |
| Save percentage – 71.4% | Save percentage – 68.7% | Save percentage – 70.6% |
| Penalty saves – 1 | Penalty saves – 0 | Penalty saves – 0 |
| Pass completion rate – 82.7% | Pass completion rate – 88.5% | Pass completion rate – 81.1% |
There is not that big of a drop-off, if any at all, when he comes in to replace Ederson.
The fact he signed a new deal may well suggest he feels there’s a chance of becoming the new number one.
Costa is indeed a brilliant goalkeeper. Vitor Baia even branded Costa ‘extraordinary’ in February 2023. But with a solid option right there and waiting in Ortega, it seems unnecessary to splash out on a new player.
