Barcelona set to battle Bayern Munich for Portugal star

Barcelona might face an uphill task in their endeavour to acquire Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, as per a report from SPORT. The Catalans are bound to engage in a heated transfer battle with Bayern Munich for the services of Portugal's first-choice goalkeeper.

Barca have turned their attention to the market following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's unfortunate injury during their win over Villarreal in September. The German was stretchered off and medical reports later revealed that he suffered a complete rupture in the patella in his right knee.

Ter Stegen will turn 33 before the current season ends and his age in unison with the untimely long-term injury has prompted Barcelona to look at younger goalkeepers, leading them to shortlist 25-year-old Costa as the perfect candidate.

However, they will face stern competition from Bayern, who have a 38-year-old Manuel Neuer on their books.

Costa created history during Euro 2024 when he made three saves out of three in the penalty shootout against Slovenia in the Round of 16, becoming the first goalkeeper in European Championship history to achieve the feat.

Costa will be looking forward to helping Porto book a spot in the Taca de Liga semi-finals when they host Moreirense in the last eight of the competition on Thursday, October 31.