Barcelona identity 25-year-old star as long-term replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Reports
Barcelona have identified Diogo Costa as a long-term replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, according to Mundo Deportivo. The German goalkeeper suffered a knee injury during the 5-1 win against Villarreal on Sunday, September 22, and has already undergone surgery.
Ter Stegen is expected to be out for the rest of the campaign, which will be a huge blow to Barca's ambitions. The La Liga giants are already scouting the market to address the issue.
They could either sign a free agent immediately or wait until the turn of the year to move for more established options. It is believed that Barcelona don't have too much confidence in backup custodian Inaki Pena.
Multiple names have been suggested as stopgap solutions, including Keylor Navas and Wojciech Szczesny, both of whom are available as free agents. While Barca could move for either of them as a temporary solution, they are also keeping an eye out for a permanent upgrade on Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
The 33-year-old German has had three surgeries in the last four years, all in the same knee. He has also divided opinion among fans in recent years, and the La Liga giants are ready to consider a change.
Costa, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons with FC Porto and is among the best goalkeepers in the world right now. Barcelona believe the Portuguese's traits could make him the ideal replacement for Ter Stegen.
Costa registered 17 clean sheets from 45 games across competitions last season. The 25-year-old rose through the ranks at Estadio do Dragao and is under contract with Porto until 2027. As such, prising him away from the Portuguese giants won't be easy.
Barcelona could struggle to sign Diogo Costa
Barcelona are still in financial distress and struggled to sign their top targets this summer. Recent reports have suggested that the Catalan giants are close to attaining the La Liga 1:1 Rule, which will enable them to spend properly next year.
However, they could still struggle to take Diogo Costa to Camp Nou in 2025. Porto are known to be shrewd negotiators and will have the upper hand in talks, as the player remains tied to a lengthy contract.
There's likely to be added competition for the Portuguese custodian if he becomes available in the market. However, the player is represented by Jorge Mendes, who has a cordial relationship with the La Liga giants.
That could work to Barcelona's advantage, but a move is almost impossible in January. If the Catalans manage to get their finances in order by the end of the season, Costa could be on their agenda next summer.