FC Porto snap up Tomas Costa

Midfielder joins burgeoning Argentine contingent at club

FC Porto are going with the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” as regards their favourite recruiting ground as they look to Argentina to help bolster their squad and attempt to win a fourth straight championship next season.

News coming out of the South American country is that the Dragons will be wrapping up a deal for Rosario Central midfielder Tomas Costa. The 23-year-old will join compatriots Lucho Gonzalez, Lisandro Lopez, Mariano Gonzalez and Ernesto Farias at the Estadio do Dragao.

Rosario president Manuel Usandizaga has confirmed that negotiations are well under way and expects the deal to be formally sealed later this week.

“It’s true. There are small details that needed to be sorted, but I think that by Thursday the transfer will be complete,” Usandizaga said. “Negotiations have arrived at a price of over 5m US dollars.”

The Rosario supremo feels that Porto have made a great acquisition, saying Costa is a remarkable player, but will take some time to mature before he can truly showcase his talents.

Future Argentina international

“FC Porto will sign an excellent player and a very good kid. He will learn a lot in Europe. He is not at the same level as Lucho Gonzalez because he does not have his kind of experience, but he is someone for the future. Lucho already plays for the national team, whereas Tomas will eventually get there.”

With an imminent deal being finalized, questions will be raised as to what will happen to Porto captain Lucho Gonzalez. Rumours have been rife all year that the classy midfielder may make a move in the summer transfer window with Spain being the most likely destination.

Porto have already sold Bosingwa to Chelsea for 20.5m euros and Lucho may be the next to leave as the player is not short of suitors.