“We’ll close the airport” – Manager jokes about blocking Chelsea from transfer

Chelsea continue to be linked with Diogo Costa after his outstanding World Cup, but Porto manager Francesco Farioli has now made his feelings on the matter crystal clear – even joking that he would “close the airport” to stop his captain leaving.

The Portugal international enhanced his reputation throughout the tournament, attracting fresh attention after a series of outstanding performances.

Portuguese reports have consistently named Chelsea among the clubs following the goalkeeper closely, while recent coverage has suggested a summer transfer could be edging nearer.

Now, however, Porto’s new manager has offered his strongest public defence yet of keeping the 26-year-old at the club.

“He will be our captain”

Speaking after Portugal’s World Cup campaign came to an end, Farioli stressed there has been no change in Porto’s plans for their number one.

“We know how good he is, it’s not a surprise at all, but he is our captain, he will be our captain,” the Italian said to To Ball.

Farioli also revealed he had spoken with Diogo Costa during the World Cup, explaining the goalkeeper’s full attention had been on Portugal’s campaign.

“I spoke with him a few days ago. 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.”

Those comments are the clearest indication yet that Porto are preparing for the new campaign with Costa as their first-choice goalkeeper, despite the growing transfer speculation.

Chelsea and PSG continue to circle

A Bola note that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain remain among the leading clubs interested in Diogo Costa.

The newspaper reiterates that no formal proposal has yet arrived at Porto’s offices, echoing reporting from recent days.

However, it also points out that the situation could quickly change now Portugal’s involvement at the World Cup has ended.

That follows a string of reports in Portugal suggesting Costa’s performances have significantly increased his market value.

Record recently argued a transfer “may be closer than ever”while multiple Portuguese outlets have highlighted the World Cup as the ideal stage for the goalkeeper to strengthen his position ahead of the summer transfer window.

Farioli jokes about closing the airport

Farioli’s most memorable comments came when asked directly about the growing interest in his captain. Rather than fuel speculation, he tried to play it down with humour.

“I don’t want my words to attract interest from other clubs. I just hope he comes back soon.”

He then joked: “We hope he comes back soon, after that we close the airport and the roads.”

Before finishing, he returned to a more serious tone.

“Honestly, Porto is his home. I always wish him the best in his career, but hopefully his career will be here with us at Porto.”

Those remarks underline Porto’s determination to keep one of Europe’s most sought-after goalkeepers. Whether Chelsea decide to test that resolve remains to be seen.

For now, their new manager fully expects Diogo Costa to return for pre-season as captain, even if the speculation surrounding his future continues to grow following an exceptional World Cup.

🇮🇹Alejandro Garnacho’s Chelsea nightmare could be over ➡️ Approach made by Roma https://t.co/PjkJn2EEsS #cfc

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 3, 2026