EXCLUSIVE: Man City earmark Diogo Costa as Ederson replacement

Steve Kay

Updated: 18 Jan 2025 10:16 CST
3 min read

Manchester City will go into the transfer market to replace goalkeeper Ederson, with Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa now Pep Guardiola’s top target for the position, FootballTransfers has learned.

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Sources have indicated that Diogo Costa, 25, is the man that Man City want as their first-choice keeper next term as Ederson’s place at the club comes increasingly under threat from Stefan Ortega.

FootballTransfers understands that talks are already underway, with a potential transfer for the summer quickly gaining momentum.

Current ETV

Diogo Costa

Porto

Diogo Costa

Porto

ETV Range

€21.9M - €36.5M

History-maker Costa an ideal Ederson replacement

Ederson, whose position has been questioned after Ortega's rise, may well be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium, with strong interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and tempting financial offers. The Saudi Pro League’s lucrative deals are likely to prove too good to ignore, leaving Guardiola in need of a reliable replacement.

Costa’s performances this season have been highly impressive. In 2024/2025, he has kept 11 clean sheets in just 17 Liga matches, conceding only 11 goals - averaging 0.65 goals per 90 minutes. This form has already seen him linked with numerous clubs, with Manchester United previously interested in the Portugal international keeper.

Indeed, it’s not just his club form that has turned heads. Costa has also shone on the international stage, most notably during UEFA Euro 2024, where he made history by saving three penalties in a shootout against Slovenia in the round of 16, earning the Man of the Match award.

© IMAGO - Pep Guardiola (right) is on the lookout for a replacement for Ederson

So why does Costa make sense for Manchester City?

Beyond his impressive abilities, the goalkeeper would be joining familiar faces in Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, both Portugal internationals. This camaraderie would help him settle quickly in Manchester, both on and off the pitch.

Furthermore, Costa shares the same agency as his compatriots, which should help smooth the negotiation process and help secure his move to the Premier League.

At just 25, Costa has the potential to be Manchester City’s long-term solution in goal. With his talent, experience, and connections to the club, a move to Guardiola’s side seems like a perfect fit.