Manchester City credited with ‘strong interest’ in Portugal starter – World Cup stocks keep rising

Manchester City have been credited in Portugal with strong interest in Diogo Costa. The Porto captain’s impressive World Cup has increased expectations that this summer could finally bring the biggest move of his career.

The 26-year-old has been one of Portugal’s standout performers at the tournament. He produced another excellent display against Colombia that earned him the Player of the Match award.

According to Correio da Manhã, Diogo Costa could leave Porto after the World Cup because of “strong interest” from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

We have been covering claims linking him to Chelsea and Liverpool lately. And this last story follows several recent reports in Portugal examining both the goalkeeper’s growing valuation and the possibility of a summer departure.

The Portuguese media are increasingly discussing not only whether Costa could leave but also what such a transfer would mean for Porto.

Portugal’s biggest weapon

Portugal face Croatia in the last 16 this week. Correio da Manhã reports Roberto Martínez intensified penalty practice during Monday’s training session as preparations stepped up for the knockout phase.

The newspaper then describe Diogo Costa as Portugal’s biggest weapon heading into the tie.

Should the match remain level after extra time, Martínez knows few goalkeepers arrive with a stronger reputation from 12 yards.

Diogo Costa famously became the first goalkeeper in European Championship history to save three penalties in a single shootout when Portugal eliminated Slovenia at Euro 2024.

He produced another decisive moment less than a year later, denying Álvaro Morata in the UEFA Nations League final before Rúben Neves converted the penalty that secured the trophy for Portugal.

Manchester City claim comes as transfer narrative grows

Manchester City’s emergence in the Portuguese media also fits a wider pattern developing over recent weeks.

Record have repeatedly examined what a post-World Cup transfer could look like. They discussed Porto’s asking price, the financial benefits of selling an academy graduate, the possibility of his valuation increasing during the tournament, and even how the club would replace him if he departs.

The club reduced his release clause to €60m (£51m) when he signed a new contract earlier this year. Although Portuguese reports have suggested they would still expect offers comfortably above €50m (£43m) before considering a sale.

Porto continue to insist they are not planning to lose their captain. Maybe that is why the conversation around Diogo Costa in Portugal is centred on the conditions of a transfer rather than the possibility of one.

Manchester City’s name now entering that discussion only adds another layer to a story that appears set to run throughout the remainder of the World Cup.