Diogo Costa No Longer in Frame as Man City Prioritise €46 Million Buy-Back Move

Diogo Costa No Longer in Frame as Man City Prioritise €46 Million Buy-Back Move

Festus Chuma 19:50 - 21.07.2025

The Citizens have ended interest in Diogo Costa and are focusing on a €46 million buy-back option for their goalkeeper plans.

Manchester City have already chosen their future goalkeeper and it is not Porto's Diogo Costa but Burnley's James Trafford, as reported last Saturday.

It is not yet certain that a new keeper will arrive at the Etihad but that will only happen if either Ederson or Ortega leave.

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There were reportedly approaches for Ortega a few weeks ago, but the German, who made 22 appearances last season due to Ederson's injuries and dip in form, is expected to stay.

Ederson, however, could be on his way out. Manchester City has not received any official bids, but they are aware of Galatasaray's interest. With only one year left on his contract, the former Benfica keeper could see his departure facilitated.

If Ederson's transfer is confirmed, it will open a spot, and funds, to sign a new goalkeeper. But, according to the Manchester Evening News and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the choice will not be Porto's Diogo Costa.

The target is 22-year-old James Trafford of Burnley. A goalkeeper Guardiola knows well, Trafford came up through City's academy, spending ten seasons there before moving to Burnley in July 2023.

Last season, he cemented his place as Burnley's number one and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League: 45 games, just 16 goals conceded, 29 clean sheets, and never conceding more than one goal in a match.

When City sold Trafford in 2023 for €17.3 million, they included a buy-back clause worth €46 million. However, preliminary talks with Burnley have reportedly taken place to lower that fee after the U21 international goalkeeper, who shone in England's 2023 European Championship victory, agreed to return to the Etihad.