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Man Utd 'paying £65m release clause' as transfer target has 'played last game' for club
Manchester United are looking to bolster their ranks this summer so that they can push for success on the European stage.
Erik ten Hag reviews Man Utd's win against Fulham
Manchester United are reportedly set to activate the £65million release clause in the contract of Porto star Diogo Costa. The sought-after shot-stopper has impressed in the Primeira Liga this season, attracting the interest of several sides.
Erik ten Hag has made it no secret that he would like to bolster his ranks between the sticks over the summer, despite contract extension negotiations with David de Gea starting to make progress.
Brentford’s David Raya and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez have both been cited as potential options for the Red Devils, though the club appear to have identified their top target – Costa.
According to A Bola, the 23-year-old has played his final league match for Porto and will now join United. The Old Trafford outfit are willing to activate the £65m release clause in his contract to fend off interest from elsewhere – namely Chelsea – and will bring him in to push for the No 1 spot at the club.
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Costa is said to have looked sad as he left the pitch after Porto’s last match of the season, a 3-0 win over Vitoria SC. Sergio Conceicao’s side face Braga in the Taca de Portugal on June 4, which could be Costa’s final farewell if negotiations with United are not accelerated before that point.
The arrival of the Portugal international will certainly provide tough competition for De Gea given that Costa is widely regarded as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe. The No 99’s ability to play out from the back has set him apart from others since he broke into the Porto team in 2019, and that could see him become Ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper given his desire to fuel attacks from deep.
Speaking to The Times, the Dutch manager was asked if he believes De Gea will remain with the club next season, to which he explained: “Yes, but I will not say he'll always be my No.1 because in a club like Man United, there must be competition in all positions. You can’t do it with 11 players. It is impossible. You need double positions."
He also went on to explain that the Spaniard has adapted his style – from being a more traditional goalkeeper – so that he can build from the back. Ten Hag continued: “If you observe the biggest teams, you have to be capable of playing from the back and use your 'keeper as a plus one in your back, otherwise it's very simple for opponents to put you under pressure. He [De Gea] had to step up. In a number of games, he showed progression.”