Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Porto could face an interesting transfer situation since Alberto Costa has got the attention of four major European clubs ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly monitoring the Portuguese right-back, according to FootballTransfers via Substack.
How high is Alberto Costa’s ceiling?
However, there is a significant difference between monitoring a player and preparing a formal offer. None of these clubs has confirmed an official bid, leaving questions about the actual strength of their interest.
Costa joined Porto from Juventus in 2025 for an initial €15m, with another €1m available through performance-related bonuses. The Portuguese club protected its investment with a €65m release clause and a contract running until 2030.
That arrangement gives Porto considerable control over negotiations. Nevertheless, a release clause doesn’t automatically represent a player’s market value, particularly when clubs consider the financial demands of a potential transfer.
Costa has shown encouraging qualities since arriving in Portugal, with his attacking contribution from right-back offering an attraction for clubs seeking greater quality in wide defensive positions. At 22, he still has considerable room to develop. You can see a recently compiled highlight package of the young Portuguese below.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s recruitment plans have another potential talking point. Arsenal transfer news has taken a fresh turn around Viktor Gyökeres, with the January transfer window emerging as a possible escape route for the Swedish striker. Any change in his situation could influence Arsenal’s attacking priorities and wider recruitment discussions.
Who might pay Costa’s release clause?
My view is that this speculation currently carries more noise than genuine negotiating activity, although PSG have a clearer reason to investigate Costa.
United have Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui competing for right-back opportunities. City have Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes while Arsenal can call upon Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Spending €65m on another defender would require a convincing sporting justification.
PSG present a slightly different situation. Achraf Hakimi remains their established first-choice right-back, but additional competition and dependable cover could benefit their squad during a demanding campaign.
Chelsea transfer news has introduced another name into the defensive market, with TEAMtalk reporting that Chelsea have joined the reported interest in Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell. His situation provides another example of Premier League clubs assessing defensive options ahead of upcoming windows.
Still, Costa reportedly has no intention of leaving Porto, and his long contract strengthens the Portuguese club’s negotiating position.
I wouldn’t expect United, City or Arsenal to prioritise this deal at €65m. PSG might explore negotiations, but their interest doesn’t guarantee an expensive purchase.
My preference would be a negotiated fee considerably below €65m, provided Costa maintains his performances. Porto deserve to protect their investment, but paying four times their original fixed fee after one season would represent a considerable gamble. A release clause shouldn’t become a transfer valuation simply because Europe’s biggest clubs appear on a scouting list.