Barcelona rule out move for €45m-rated Cristiano Ronaldo teammate: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly decided against making an attempt to sign FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who is teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo, in the summer. La Blaugrana are set to make a move to sign a new goalkeeper to be their side's long-term option between the sticks.
Hansi Flick's side lost their first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, to a season-ending knee injury back in a 5-1 win against Villarreal in September. La Masia graduate Inaki Pena has stepped up to a starting berth since then while the club also went on to sign Wojciech Szczesny to provide cover on a season-long basis.
Barcelona have been linked with a number of goalkeepers, one of whom will potentially serve as the long-term replacement for Ter Stegen. According to SPORT, Portuguese shot-stopper Diogo Costa was one of the names on their list but the club have admitted that a move for the 25-year-old will not be possible.
Barcelona have communicated internally and to Jorge Mendes, the goalkeeper's agent, that they will not be in the running to sign him from FC Porto. The Spanish club have cited the club's strict €45 million asking price as a stumbling block in their pursuit of the goalkeeper.
Diogo Costa is widely regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, particularly off the back of his displays with his club. At the international level, the goalkeeper also stars for Portugal alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and is his country's first-choice goalkeeper.
Barcelona turned down an opportunity to sign the goalkeeper for just €15 million in 2022 on the request of his agent, Mendes. The club may still look to move for the goalkeeper but will only do so if Porto's asking price comes down.
Rodri joins Cristiano Ronaldo to tip Barcelona youngster for future glory
2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has become the latest player to tip Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal as a future recipient of the award. The youngster became the youngest-ever player to finish in the top ten of the Ballon d'Or after finishing in eighth place in this year's rankings.
After receiving his award, the Manchester City man echoed the words of Cristiano Ronaldo as he sang the praises of Yamal. The midfielder claimed that the youngster will soon be a Ballon d'Or winner if he continues to work hard. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"Lamine Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or very soon, I’m convinced of it. Keep it up, keep working hard, you’ll get there”.
Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best U-21 player in world football at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. The 17-year-old continues to make waves for himself in professional football and is already regarded as one of the world's best by even Cristiano Ronaldo.