Chelsea continue to be linked with Diogo Costa after his outstanding World Cup, but Porto manager Francesco Farioli has made it clear he wants the goalkeeper to remain at the club.
The Portugal international has attracted further attention following his performances at the tournament, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain repeatedly named among his admirers. Farioli, however, insists Porto are planning for next season with the 26-year-old as their captain.
Chelsea interest in Diogo Costa remains after World Cup
Chelsea have been following Costa as they assess their goalkeeping options, with FootballPlace reporting on 5 July that the Porto star is wanted as a potential new number one.
His World Cup performances have only strengthened his reputation. Reports in Portugal have suggested a transfer could be moving closer, although Porto have not yet received a formal offer.
Portugal’s elimination means attention can now return to Costa’s club future, but Farioli has publicly pushed back against the growing speculation.
“We know how good he is, it’s not a surprise at all, but he is our captain, he will be our captain,” the Porto manager told A Bola.
Farioli also revealed that he spoke to Costa during the tournament and expects him to return after a short break.
“He was focused on the national team at the World Cup, now he’ll have a few days to recharge his batteries before returning to help us next season.”
Farioli jokes about stopping Chelsea transfer
Farioli produced his strongest response when asked about the clubs interested in Costa.
The Italian first joked that he did not want his own praise to generate further attention before suggesting Porto could take extreme measures to keep their captain.
“We hope he comes back soon, after that we close the airport and the roads.” — Francesco Farioli
The comment was made in humour, but the message behind it was clear. Farioli does not want to lose his first-choice goalkeeper during his first summer in charge.
He later added that Porto is Costa’s home and expressed his hope that the goalkeeper will continue his career with the Portuguese club.
Chelsea and PSG could still test Porto stance
Porto’s public position is firm, but the transfer situation remains open.
Chelsea and PSG continue to be mentioned as leading suitors, while Portuguese reports have argued that Costa’s World Cup displays have increased both his profile and value.
The absence of a formal proposal means Porto have not yet had their determination seriously tested. Farioli can therefore plan with Costa as his captain, but that position could become more difficult if Chelsea or PSG submit a major offer.
For Chelsea, the key question is whether their interest develops into a concrete move. Costa is already established at Champions League and international level, but signing him would require the Blues to overcome a Porto manager who has publicly made retaining him a priority.
Key Points
- Chelsea continue to be linked with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
- Francesco Farioli insists the Portugal international will remain club captain.
- The Porto manager joked about closing the airport and roads to stop him leaving.
- Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly interested in the 26-year-old.
- Porto have not yet received a formal offer for Costa.
What’s next?
Costa is expected to take a short break following Portugal’s World Cup exit before returning to Porto for pre-season.
Chelsea and PSG must now decide whether to test the Portuguese club’s position with a formal proposal. Until that happens, Farioli is preparing for the new campaign with Costa as his first-choice goalkeeper and captain.
Should Chelsea make Diogo Costa their new number one, or look elsewhere?
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