Liverpool set to reignite interest in Portuguese star

Liverpool set to reignite interest in Portuguese star Liverpool eye Diogo Costa as long-term Alisson replacement under Andoni Iraola Liverpool are exploring the market for a future No.1, with Anfield Watch reporting that FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is emerging as a serious target. The Portuguese international is described as a player the club believe could be an “ideal replacement for Alisson”, a significant indication of the level at which this discussion is being framed internally. The timing is notable. Liverpool are in the early phase of a fresh cycle under Andoni Iraola, with the head coach tasked with reshaping both the style and age profile of the squad. Recruitment decisions are expected to reflect that broader strategy, and the goalkeeping department appears to be one area under close examination. IMAGO Diogo Costa on Liverpool shortlist According to the report, “Liverpool are targeting a move for FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.” The piece adds that the club view the 26-year-old as a standout option because he is “an incredible shot-stopper and also extremely comfortable with his feet.” Those attributes matter. Any goalkeeper signed for Liverpool now would need to combine presence in the box with the distribution and composure demanded by Iraola’s approach. There is also a practical layer to this. “It is expected that Alisson Becker will leave the club upon the end of his contract next summer.” If that proves accurate, Liverpool would need a clear succession plan rather than a reactive one. Costa’s experience at Porto and on the international stage would make him an understandable name to monitor. Alisson succession plan taking shape The report suggests Liverpool are still weighing the readiness of the options already in the system. “Internally Liverpool are uncertain whether Giorgi Mamardashvili would be ready to step in and become no.1.” There is encouragement around younger goalkeepers too, yet caution remains. “There are high hopes for Lucca Brughmanns but again Liverpool are unsure whether he is ready for Premier League football just yet.” That same patience is said to apply to Armin Pecsi, with Liverpool believing he can become first-team ready in time, while a further loan is currently part of the plan. In other words, this is less about blocking youth pathways and more about ensuring the senior side has enough certainty in a crucial position. Andoni Iraola shaping Liverpool rebuild The wider context is a managerial shift that has placed development front and centre. Iraola has quickly gained a reputation for backing younger talent, and the source points to a number of players who have already benefited. “He relishes the prospect of nurturing Liverpool’s exciting young talents and helping them to reach their potential.” That direction of travel matters when assessing any incoming business. Liverpool want elite quality, but they also want players suited to a modern, evolving squad. Costa appears to fit that thinking, a goalkeeper with pedigree, personality and technical quality. Our View If this move is genuinely under consideration, it makes plenty of sense. Alisson has been one of the pillars of the modern Liverpool era, and replacing a figure of that stature was never going to be simple. The smartest route is to identify the successor early, before the position becomes a problem rather than a plan. Diogo Costa feels like the profile to get excited about. A keeper who can handle pressure, play through it and still produce match-saving moments would be vital in the next phase of this team. The line that he is “an incredible shot-stopper and also extremely comfortable with his feet” is exactly what you want to hear when discussing a potential Liverpool goalkeeper. There is also something reassuring in the idea that the club are not rushing younger options before they are ready. If Giorgi Mamardashvili, Lucca Brughmanns or Armin Pecsi need more time, that is fine. Liverpool have made mistakes in squad planning before when transitions were delayed too long. This feels more deliberate. Iraola’s influence is another reason this is intriguing. The early signs suggest he wants a bold, energetic side with personality, and the goalkeeper has to set the tone. If Liverpool can pair elite potential with immediate reliability, they have a chance to turn a looming concern into one of the smartest decisions of the rebuild. Source: Anfield Watch