Breaking News: Manchester United Set to Offload Onana in Pursuit of Porto’s Diogo Costa
Manchester United may be focusing on bolstering their attack right now, but defensive improvements—particularly in goal—are just as crucial. Last season, the Red Devils shipped 54 goals in the Premier League and ended with a worrying -10 goal difference. Much of the blame has fallen on Andre Onana, whose shaky performances have sparked criticism from both fans and pundits alike.
Now, the club is reportedly working to part ways with Onana in order to fund the arrival of Diogo Costa from FC Porto. According to Jornal de Noticias, United are stepping up their efforts to secure the Portuguese shot-stopper, who has been identified as the top goalkeeping target for manager Ruben Amorim.
Costa, 25, has a contract with Porto that runs until 2027 and includes a €75 million release clause. However, Manchester United are optimistic about negotiating a deal closer to €50 million (around £42.7 million), potentially including performance-based add-ons to bring the fee closer to Porto’s expectations.
The club has already wrapped up the signing of Cunha and is closing in on Mbeumo, but any further arrivals, particularly defensive ones, are contingent on departures. Amorim has made it clear that Onana must be sold before United can push ahead with Costa’s signing.
Onana’s time at Old Trafford has been marred by inconsistency and high-profile errors. At 29, his future at the club looks uncertain, with United hoping to cash in and reinvest in a more dependable presence between the sticks. Costa, in contrast, has built a reputation as a calm and commanding goalkeeper. He kept 16 clean sheets in 32 league games last season and played a pivotal role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League success, famously stopping Álvaro Morata’s penalty to clinch the title.
If the transfer goes through, Costa would not only bring stability but also enhance United’s ability to play out from the back—something Onana struggled with. The move would mark another step in Amorim’s vision of reshaping the squad into a more technically refined and confident unit.
