Pep Guardiola is reported to have been left impressed by one player who turned heads during his country’s latest outing at Euro 2024.
The European Championship is a tournament that will attract eyes from managers and clubs around the world in search of potential new signings.
So far, plenty of players have made a serious impression, with Georges Mikautadze, for instance, earning a potential move from FC Metz — with Fabrizio Romano recently revealing that AS Monaco have reached a verbal agreement to sign the Georgian forward — who is the competition’s joint-top goalscorer.
Manchester City will also be hoping to sign a potential star who emerges as a talismanic figure for his country — especially in the goalkeeping department.
- Man City summer transfer window 2024: Confirmed signings, departures, loan exits and releases
Pep Guardiola convinced by Diogo Costa signing after Portugal beat Slovenia
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that with several Saudi Pro League clubs interested in signing Ederson, City will not stand in the Brazilian’s way if he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium.
At Euro 2024, several goalkeepers have stood out — such as Georgia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Turkey’s Mert Günok, for instance.
Another name who springs to mind is Portugal number one Diogo Costa, whose heroics in his country’s dramatic win against Slovenia on penalties in the Round of 16 have convinced Pep Guardiola that Manchester City should make a move for him — as per a report by TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Porto goalkeeper — whose release clause has risen from €75 million (£63.4 million) to €100 million (£84.6 million) after July 1, according to a recent revelation from A Bola — saved an incredible three successive spot-kicks during the penalty shootout — which won Guardiola over, as per the report.
Costa also made an outstanding save to deny Benjamin Sesko in a one-on-one situation in extra-time, as Slovenia had the chance to go 1-0 up in the dying embers of the clash.
In May, it was claimed that Manchester City and Chelsea were the two Premier League clubs interested in signing the 24-year-old, who Porto are believed to be ready to sell.
Release clause makes Diogo Costa move doubtful
While Costa could end up being a remarkable signing for most clubs in the world, City would perhaps justifiably hesitate from spending £84.6 million to trigger his release clause.
Perhaps even Pep Guardiola would admit that apart from the likes of Ederson, Alisson Becker and Thibaut Courtois, such a fee is far too expensive far any other goalkeeper in the world.
In May, it was claimed that the Sky Blues will not pay £100 million to trigger Bruno Guimaraes’ release clause that was set to expire on June 24 and the report has proven to be spot on over time — and being in a potentially similar situation in Costa’s case, reluctance could be expected from within the City camp.
