Manchester United have been linked with Diogo Costa as a possible replacement for Andre Onana
The situation in Manchester United’s goal has become untenable. André Onana, signed with high expectations, has made serious mistakes throughout the 2024/25 season. Avoidable goals conceded, misjudged clearances, and a general loss of confidence have led the club to explore new options.
The arrival of Ruben Amorim as manager marked the beginning of a new era, with firm decisions made on several key positions, and among those priorities, the goalkeeper position is at the forefront. The search for security and consistency has intensified, with big names on the table and decisions that can no longer be postponed.
According to information from Portuguese journalist Sebastião Sousa-Pinto, revealed in The United Stand and reproduced by TEAMtalk, Ruben Amorim has already spoken personally with Diogo Costa. The coach wants to have the Portuguese national team and Porto goalkeeper as his goalkeeper at Old Trafford.
Is €50m a fair price for Costa, considering his potential as Amorim’s long-term goalkeeper solution?
Talks began in January, although the signing still depends on the club’s financial situation. Porto, for its part, has set a figure of €50 million as a basis for negotiation, an amount that may include variables. Costa, currently on holiday after his team’s elimination from the Club World Cup, is waiting for news.
The dilemma between Diogo Costa and Emiliano Martínez is not easy to resolve, but the context tips the balance. Amorim knows Costa, trusts his talent and sees him as a long-term solution. Martínez, world champion with Argentina, brings experience and leadership, although his style is different.
Onana, for his part, never managed to settle in. His reflexes did not compensate for his insecurity with his feet, and his mistakes cost key points. In this scenario, Costa represents freshness, early maturity and potential.
He has been decisive in big games with Porto and the national team, saving penalties, commanding from the back and showing composure under pressure. At 25, he has already accumulated high-level experience, something that Onana has not been able to translate into consistency.
More Manchester United news:
Paying £45 million for Costa may seem high, but it is not if United are thinking about a solution for the next five or six years. Martínez could provide immediate guarantees, although with less future potential. On the other hand, Costa can grow with the project and establish himself as a structural player.
His arrival would also strengthen a defence that has shown cracks and a lack of communication. A solid goalkeeper gives confidence to the entire back line. If Amorim believes Costa is his man, the management should act decisively. Time waits for no one, and United’s goal no longer allows for mistakes.