Chelsea’s search for long-term certainty between the posts could become even more complicated over the coming weeks. Portuguese coverage is now focused on how much more valuable Diogo Costa could become at the World Cup.
The Porto captain has already established himself among Europe’s most highly-rated goalkeepers. After keeping 26 clean sheets in 53 matches this season, and conceding just 13 league goals in 31 appearances, he heads into the tournament with significant momentum.
According to Record, Diogo Costa is already regarded as one of the most valuable goalkeepers at the World Cup. The newspaper places him at €40m (£34m). He stands behind only Spain’s Joan García at €45m (£38m) among the goalkeepers expected to start for their national teams.
But that valuation may not remain there for long.
World Cup could push price even higher
The Portuguese newspaper argues the tournament offers another major shop window for the Porto goalkeeper.
Diogo Costa has previous experience of seeing his value rise after major international competitions. The report points out that his market valuation reached €45m (£38m) following the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
Now, with Portugal among the contenders and Costa entering the competition in excellent form, there is an expectation inside Porto that another strong tournament could further strengthen his position in the market.
In fact, Record state that Porto’s hierarchy are closely monitoring how their captain’s valuation develops during the competition. The newspaper presents the World Cup as a significant opportunity for Costa. He could increase his standing even further.
That will hardly be welcome news for Chelsea, who continue to be linked with elite goalkeeping options. The club are seeking greater stability in the position.
Liverpool had previously been mentioned as another logical destination. But Alisson Becker’s recent confirmation that he intends to remain at Anfield removes much of the immediate need on Merseyside.
That leaves Chelsea standing out more clearly among the clubs that could realistically pursue Costa.
Porto appear to be preparing for every scenario
Interestingly, while Porto continue to insist they are not planning to sell their captain, the Portuguese media appear increasingly focused on what a departure would look like.
Alongside its valuation analysis, Record dedicated separate coverage to the financial and sporting impact of a potential sale.
As a product of Porto’s academy, Diogo Costa would generate an enormous profit. In fact, almost the entire transfer fee would be booked as capital gain. This would be aside from contractual costs and renewal-related expenses accumulated throughout his career.
That financial aspect becomes even more significant when considering Porto renewed the goalkeeper this season and reduced his release clause to €60m (£51m). Recent reports in Portugal have suggested the club would still expect offers comfortably above €50m (£43m) before considering a deal.
The newspaper also highlighted comments from club president André Villas-Boas. He has previously described Costa as “a highly sought-after player”.
PSG are again mentioned among the clubs keeping tabs on the Portugal international, underlining that Chelsea would not necessarily have a clear run if a transfer battle develops.
Porto already discussing life after Costa
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the coverage is the attention being given to Porto’s succession planning.
The newspaper examined the club’s goalkeeping department and concluded there remain significant uncertainties behind Costa.
Cláudio Ramos is approaching the end of his contract. Gonçalo Ribeiro has attracted interest from elsewhere. Additionally, Samuel Portugal is not expected to have a future at the club after returning from Saudi Arabia. João Afonso has arrived from Santa Clara. Meanwhile, João Costa and Diogo Fernandes remain relatively inexperienced options.
More importantly, Record draw a clear conclusion: if Diogo Costa leaves, Porto will have to enter the market for another goalkeeper.
That does not sound like a club expecting an imminent departure. Yet it does suggest the conversation in Portugal is moving beyond whether Costa is good enough for an elite transfer.
Instead, attention is increasingly turning to how much such a move could be worth and what Porto would do if it happened.
For Chelsea, that is a reminder that waiting until after the World Cup may come with a price. If Diogo Costa performs on the biggest stage, a transfer already expected to require around €60m (£51m) could become even more expensive.
🇦🇷 Kendry Páez | Talent heading back to Chelsea as loan cancelled early – Bad move for all involved https://t.co/FuCXBsR9uM #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) June 16, 2026