Real Madrid will reportedly look to sign Diogo Costa in the future, with the Portuguese international also a target for Chelsea.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Diogo Costa is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. And a separate update by A Bola has revealed that the Portuguese international is also a target for Chelsea. Meanwhile, FC Porto will point to the goalkeeper’s release clause of €75 million to part ways with him.
Diogo Costa has established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world in the last two seasons. The 23-year-old started his youth career at CB Povoa Lanhoso before joining FC Porto in 2011. And he progressed through the ranks at the famous Portuguese club before making the grade in the first-team squad a few days after his 20th birthday in 2019.
But the Portuguese international had to wait until the 2021/22 season to establish a foothold in the first-team squad. And he has become a pivotal figure for his club and country in the last two campaigns. Costa has turned out over 100 times thus far for FC Porto, keeping 47 clean sheets. And his progress has captured the attention of several clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Real Madrid will soon sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. The Spaniard will replace the injured Thibaut Courtois, who will miss most of the 2023/24 season after sustaining a long-term knee injury. But he will not join Real Madrid on a permanent deal in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Courtois is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the final phase of his glittering career. So it behoves Real Madrid to lay down a succession plan for him. And Costa has emerged as a viable long-term target for Los Blancos. But Real Madrid will face stiff competition from Chelsea for the 23-year-old, with A Bola (h/t Sport Witness) confirming the Blues’ interest.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese publication has pointed to the existence of a release clause worth €75 million in Costa’s contract. And FC Porto will ask suitors to match the valuation to land the Portuguese international. Meanwhile, amid uncertainties surrounding Kepa’s long-term Chelsea future, the Porto goalkeeper is a viable target.
A move this summer seems out of the question for Costa, even though Chelsea previously contemplated a bid. And it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can beat the West London club to his signature this summer.