Barcelona deem €45 million-rated goalkeeping target’s signing ‘virtually impossible’

Following the serious injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen earlier this season, FC Barcelona have decided to bring in a top goalkeeper in the summer as the long-term heir to their club captain.

The name of FC Porto and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, as such, has emerged as one of the potential candidates for the position.

After all, the 25-year-old is one of the most talented goalkeepers in Europe currently and could be ready to take the next step in his career.

Signing practically impossible

However, according to SPORT, Barcelona consider the possible signing of Diogo Costa ‘virtually impossibe’ and have conveyed the same to his agent, Jorge Mendes.

Costa is attracting plenty of interest from other clubs, including Premier League champions Manchester City.

Furthermore, as per the report, the Portuguese international already has offers on his table and his €45 million price tag is non-negotiable, making things difficult for Barça.

As such, the La Liga leaders have confirmed to Mendes that at this point, any move for the 25-year-old shot-stopper would be out of the question.

However, it is not entirely ruled out that the superagent, who has excellent relations with Barcelona, works out a way to make the operation feasible for the club.

Mendes met with Joan Laporta and Deco earlier this month where the matter of Ansu Fati’s future and Lamine Yamal’s contract were discussed, along with the Catalans’ interest in Costa.

It must be remembered that the Portuguese superagent had offered Barcelona a chance to sign Costa for just €15 million back in 2022.

While his stock has risen considerably since, whether Mendes works out a scenario wherein the Blaugrana can land him for an affordable fee remains to be seen.