Farioli relies on Diogo Costa to restore defensive solidity | OneFootball

Francesco Farioli continues to shape FC Porto for the new season, but he has already identified one concern: insecurity in the defensive department. The Dragons have played four pre-season matches so far, although only one was open to the public, and they have conceded goals in all of them. Even though this is typical of pre-season, the record has not gone unnoticed.

With the official debut drawing ever closer, against Torreense in the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup final, scheduled for August 1, the Italian coach hopes to restore to the team, during this final week of work, the solidity that largely characterized the now national champions last season. Farioli should soon be able to count on an important boost: Diogo Costa is close to finishing his vacation and could start in the presentation match against Aston Villa, scheduled for Saturday night.

With Diogo Costa in goal, FC Porto kept clean sheets in 26 of the 49 matches played in 2025/26, a figure that highlights the importance of the Portugal international. João Costa and Cláudio Ramos, the available alternatives, have already shown quality and deserve the coach’s trust, but the goal remains in the hands of the Portuguese international. Even so, the goalkeeper’s stay at the Dragão is not guaranteed.

Approaching 27 years of age, which he turns on September 19, Diogo Costa is going through a very positive phase in his career and may seek a new challenge at a bigger European club, where he would have the chance to compete for the Champions League. Bayern Munich and Liverpool have already been linked with the player, as has Chelsea, although the London club does not offer him, from a sporting point of view, the most attractive scenario.

Also worthy of note is the public appeal made by André Villas-Boas. The Porto president suggested that Diogo Costa should start wearing FC Porto’s number 2 shirt, as a tribute to Jorge Costa, in what could be a sign that the goalkeeper will remain tied to the club from Invicta.

André Villas-Boas does not hesitate: “Best goalkeeper at the World Cup”

Regardless of whether he leaves or stays, one thing is certain: Diogo Costa is back at the Dragão after being one of the standout Portuguese players at World Cup 2026. The goalkeeper prevented Portugal’s campaign from being even more damaging, with particular emphasis on his performances against Colombia, Croatia and Spain.

Tied to FC Porto by a contract valid until 2030 and protected by a 60 million euro release clause, it remains to be seen whether any of Europe’s top clubs will move to sign Diogo Costa.

So far, however, Porto’s SAD has not received any offer, as Villas-Boas assured last Wednesday.

“We have received no offer or approach. He was clearly the best goalkeeper at the World Cup and we are very grateful that he remains at FC Porto,” the Porto president said on the sidelines of the ceremony held this Wednesday at Porto City Hall, during which he was awarded the city’s Silver Medal.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.