Ever since Manchester United started being linked to Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, the Portuguese press made it clear his price tag was €75m.
Portuguese clubs traditionally use players’ release clauses as a reference to negotiate their exits, and with the 23-year-old standing out this season, there seemed to be no reason for the Dragons to sell him for less.
However, as newspaper Correio da Manhã today writes about Costa, they say ‘everything indicates’ Porto’s need to make a big sale before the end of June may force them to give out a discount in his sale.
Manchester United are not mentioned in the story this time, with the outlet really only speaking of the Dragons’ financial needs. The club need over €60m to end their financial year with a profit, and the goalkeeper represents their biggest chance of getting that.
It’s pointed out that with clubs knowing about Porto’s issues, they are now unlikely to trigger Costa’s clause. In case they do reach the €75m, that would be through performance goals.Just yesterday, we covered newspaper A Bola claiming Manchester United have ‘intensified’ their interest in Costa, also saying the Red Devils were not willing to pay for his clause. So perhaps this is the golden chance for them to get the signing for the price they wanted.
