Manchester United completed a remarkable comeback against Olympique Lyonnais to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League, but questions continue to swirl around the future of goalkeeper Andre Onana. After a dismal first-leg performance that had fans and pundits alike questioning his place in the squad, Onana managed to improve at Old Trafford, yet he still conceded four goals, a statistic that raises eyebrows for any goalkeeper.
Onana's struggles this season have prompted manager Ruben Amorim to seek a new shot-stopper ahead of the summer transfer window. The club has been linked with several names, but one standout target is Diogo Costa, the talented goalkeeper from FC Porto. Costa has been on United's radar for some time, and recent reports indicate that the Red Devils have sent an observer to watch him in action during Porto's league match against Famalicao.
Despite a mixed season, Costa has managed to keep 18 clean sheets, showcasing his potential as a top-tier goalkeeper. However, his form has dipped compared to previous seasons, which has not deterred suitors from clamoring for his signature. Notably, Manchester City is also vying for Costa's services, viewing him as a long-term replacement for their current number one, Ederson.
City's interest in Costa is fueled by Ederson's injury woes, which have limited the Brazilian to just 22 Premier League appearances this season. Ederson has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, and with his ongoing injury concerns, City is keen to secure a reliable successor. The 25-year-old Costa fits the bill perfectly; his style of play aligns with what Pep Guardiola desires in a modern goalkeeper.
According to reports, Costa has a release clause set at approximately £63 million, with two years remaining on his contract. This puts Porto in a strong negotiating position, particularly as both Manchester clubs express interest. City believes they could negotiate a deal for around £50 million, a figure that might be more palatable given their financial resources and the relationship between their incoming director of football, Hugo Viana, and Costa's agent, Jorge Mendes.
For Manchester United, the financial constraints could prove to be a significant hurdle. With multiple positions needing urgent reinforcements, triggering Costa's buy-out clause might be out of reach. As Amorim evaluates Onana's future, the club's ability to muster enough funds to secure a new goalkeeper remains uncertain.
The situation is further complicated by Onana's inconsistent performances, which have drawn criticism. While he showed improvement in the recent match against Lyon, the four goals conceded still leave room for doubt about his capabilities. Amorim's search for a new shot-stopper is becoming increasingly urgent, and Costa's potential arrival could signal a new direction for the club.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding Costa's future. Will Manchester United be able to compete with Manchester City for his signature? Or will Onana have another chance to prove himself as the number one keeper at Old Trafford? With so much at stake, the coming months promise to be intriguing for both clubs.
In summary, Manchester United's progression to the semi-finals of the Europa League is overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding Andre Onana's future. As Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad, Diogo Costa emerges as a key target. However, with Manchester City also in the mix and United's financial limitations, the battle for Costa's signature is set to unfold as one of the summer's most compelling storylines.
