Manchester City are not used to crashing out early. But this time, it hit differently.
A shock exit in the Club World Cup round of 16 has forced Pep Guardiola to rethink one of the most trusted positions in his team, between the posts.
The loss to Al Hilal was hard to accept. Not just because of the result, but because of how it happened.
Mistakes in the goal changed the game. Pep, never one to hold back, was clearly not happy.
And now, plans are shifting. For the first time in years, there is serious doubt around Ederson’s place in the starting eleven.
While the Brazilian has been a key figure at City, recent errors have chipped away at that trust.
Behind the scenes, the manager and his staff have started exploring options.
They want a young and consistent man who fits Pep’s system, which demands control and composure from the back. One name keeps coming up again and again.
He is only 25 but has already made a name for himself in Europe. The player can handle high-pressure situations, as he has proven with his national team.
According to Fichajes, Manchester City are now moving quietly to sign Diogo Costa, the FC Porto and Portugal No. 1.
His release clause stands at €75 million. For most clubs, that is huge. But for City, it is doable, especially if they see him as the long-term answer.
Costa’s contract runs until 2027, but in Portugal, people believe he could leave this summer.
The player is open to a move. He wants to compete at the top level and keep his place as Portugal’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup.
If City go through with this deal, it could signal a fresh start at the Etihad, one that begins with a new name in goal.
Manchester City is also linked with a goalkeeper who was a thorn in Pep Guardiola’s side in the Club World Cup.
No matter who comes in, the chances of seeing a new face in between posts at the Etihad is increasing rapidly.
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