Manchester United infamously lost the 2021 Europa League final on penalties to Villarreal with David de Gea failing to save a single spot-kick. Such a scenario may be a distant memory if Erik ten Hag gets his way, however.
In recent weeks, United have been linked a new keeper, who some are calling the best in the world at foiling from 12 yards. With De Gea's credentials seriously in question not just from the spot but in his distribution and command of his area, this could be a major upgrade.
Especially as Dean Henderson – on loan at Nottingham Forest – may not return over the way he was treated last season.
Porto custodian Diogo Costa is being watched by United – not to be confused with the former Chelsea, now Wolves striker, of course – according to the Athletic. And the youngster is having the season of his life in the Champions League. He's the first goalkeeper on record to save three penalties in a row in the competition.
In fact, when you factor in that he saved a penalty against Czech Republic in late September, Costa has an incredible five saves from the spot in the past month alone. As if that's not enough, the 23-year-old made an assist against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League this autumn, which will perhaps impress ball-playing Ten Hag a little more, too.
Despite only being 23, Costa is now the No.1 for Portugal ahead of Rui Patricio, too, and no doubt become a household name across Europe should the Selecao have a good World Cup. According to those who watch him every week, though, he's already world-class.
"One of the best goalkeepers in world football," Portuguese football expert Zach Lowy says of the player, adding, "Diogo Costa has a contract until 2026 and a release clause of €60m, although all signs point to Porto renewing his deal and increasing the clause in the coming months."
Does that make him unaffordable to the likes of Barcelona, who have also shown an interest? Manchester United will hope so, knowing that they have the financial might to sign him, should they wish.
Costa is valued at just £22.5m on Transfermarkt.
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