Man Utd have made a €15m mistake in the transfer market
Manchester United have encountered a major obstacle in their hunt for a new goalkeeper, as they will have to pay a higher fee to secure one of their top targets.
The Red Devils have been eyeing up a move for Porto star Diogo Costa, who has starred for the Portuguese side in the group stages of the Champions League as well as domestic competition.
Costa has had a wonderful rise through the ranks at Porto over the last year, becoming their and Portugal’s undisputed number one, and is set for a World Cup berth this month.
READ: Who is Diogo Costa? The Porto goalkeeper on Man Utd's radar
Manchester United have been keeping eyes on the goalkeeper, with scouts sent to watch him over the last few weeks, but he’s going to cost slightly more than what they initially hoped.
Fee rises for Porto star
Costa had a release clause of €60 million at Porto, but he has now extended his deal until the summer of 2027 and his release clause has now be bumped up to €75 million.
According to The Athletic, Erik ten Hag viewed him as a possible number one for the future and saw him as the successor to David de Gea, who will have been there for 12 years next year.
READ: Man Utd 'at the head' of the queue for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa
While the fee is still payable, it has proven to be the extra price to pay for delaying their pursuit of the goalkeeper until the summer of next year.
Upon signing his extension with Porto, Costa spoke about his delight and suggested he wanted to stay at Porto to achieve more success with the club in the coming years.
🤩✍ 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗮 é Dragão até 2027 🐉
💙 A história continua...#FCPorto #DiogoCosta2027 pic.twitter.com/86undAyxwW— FC Porto (@FCPorto) November 3, 2022
"I want to thank the president for this moment. The feeling is the same as last year. This is my home, and I'm another one helping FC Porto to have as many titles as possible,” the 23-year-old said.
I will always work, I will never change the way I am. It is a huge honour for me to renew my contract with the club of my heart. I'm with the club looking for goals,” he added.