The summer transfer window is heating up across Europe, with Sporting CP pushing to secure Colombian forward Luis Javier Suárez from Almería, while English champions Manchester City are preparing a significant bid for Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
As clubs across the continent reinforce their squads ahead of the new season, Portuguese teams have found themselves at the center of key transfer negotiations—both in terms of arrivals and departures.
Sporting CP Close to Signing Luis Javier Suárez
Sporting Clube de Portugal are reportedly in advanced talks with Spanish side UD Almería to sign 27-year-old Colombian striker Luis Javier Suárez. According to highly regarded football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, discussions between the two clubs have intensified in recent hours and are said to be nearing completion.
Romano shared that the agreement is “almost done,” with only final details left to be ironed out before the move is officially confirmed. The transfer is expected to be finalized later this week, with both clubs keen to wrap up the deal swiftly to allow the player to integrate ahead of the new season.
Suárez has been one of Almería’s standout players despite their struggles in La Liga. His blend of physicality, pressing, and goal-scoring instincts have drawn interest from several clubs in Europe, but Sporting have acted decisively to beat the competition.
Sporting manager Rúben Amorim is believed to be a strong admirer of Suárez’s profile, especially given the club’s ambition to challenge Benfica and FC Porto for the Primeira Liga title this season. With Champions League football on the horizon, Sporting are focused on strengthening their attack, and Suárez is viewed as a forward who can thrive in Amorim’s aggressive, high-tempo system.
The Colombian international is expected to sign a multi-year contract and could be unveiled in Lisbon as early as next week if all goes according to plan.
Manchester City Line Up €60M Bid for Diogo Costa
In a separate high-stakes development, English Premier League giants Manchester City are preparing a €60 million bid—add-ons included—for FC Porto’s star goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Maisfutebol has reported.
City, managed by Pep Guardiola, are keen to reinforce their goalkeeping department amid uncertainty surrounding their Brazilian No.1, Ederson, who has been heavily linked with a move to Turkish champions Galatasaray. Ederson, who has been instrumental in City’s success over recent years, is reportedly open to a new challenge, and Saudi Pro League clubs are also said to be monitoring his situation.
Diogo Costa, 24, is widely regarded as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe. He played a pivotal role in Porto’s domestic and European campaigns last season, showcasing outstanding shot-stopping ability, distribution, and command in the box. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several elite clubs including Paris Saint-Germain also in the race for his signature.
Manchester City, however, appear to be moving quickly. Reports suggest that club executives have identified Costa as the ideal long-term successor to Ederson and are confident they can convince both Porto and the player. The €60 million offer would include performance-based add-ons and potentially a sell-on clause, as Porto are known to protect their assets rigorously.
City’s interest comes after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool last season. Guardiola is determined to revamp key areas of his squad in a bid to reclaim domestic dominance and defend their UEFA Champions League crown.
PSG Also Monitoring Costa
City’s pursuit of Costa will not be without competition. Paris Saint-Germain, still looking to solidify their goalkeeping depth after the departure of Keylor Navas and the inconsistency of Gianluigi Donnarumma, are also keeping close tabs on Costa.
With the 2025/26 season set to be a defining one for the French giants under manager Luis Enrique, securing a reliable and high-performing goalkeeper has become a priority. Costa’s age and Champions League experience make him a highly desirable target for both clubs.
The coming weeks could see a bidding war unfold between two of Europe’s most powerful sides, which could further raise Costa’s price tag.
Strategic Moves in Portugal
Portugal’s top clubs have become essential players in the European transfer market. With Porto preparing to negotiate a record fee for one of their brightest stars, and Sporting CP investing in new attacking firepower, the Primeira Liga continues to serve as both a launching pad and destination for top-tier talent.
Sporting’s potential acquisition of Luis Suárez also highlights the club’s commitment to competing at the highest level, especially as they prepare for the Champions League group stages. The addition of an experienced forward like Suárez could prove vital in high-pressure matches against Europe’s elite.
For Porto, letting go of Diogo Costa would mark the end of an era for the club’s goalkeeping department. However, the club’s proven scouting and development system suggest they are already preparing suitable replacements should the deal materialize.
Looking Ahead
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether Sporting can seal the deal for Suárez before rival clubs enter the race, and whether Manchester City can outmaneuver PSG in the pursuit of Diogo Costa.
Both moves underline the evolving dynamics of the European market—where Portuguese clubs play dual roles as sellers of elite talent and as ambitious buyers looking to scale new heights in continental competitions.
With official confirmations expected soon, fans across Portugal, England, and beyond await the next chapter in what is shaping up to be one of the most active summer windows in recent years.
By Africa Live News
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