Aston Villa had another pair of eyes on FC Porto this week, as A BOLA reported the club among the many who sent scouts to the Dragão.
For Aston Villa, the visit carried a different layer of meaning. Only a few months ago, Portuguese reports claimed they pushed late for Diogo Costa before the summer window closed. The move never advanced, but the interest placed him firmly on their radar.
On Thursday night, the goalkeeper added another reason to keep that file open. Porto beat Nice 3-0, and Costa collected his tenth clean sheet in 18 matches this season. The numbers reinforce what Villa already saw during the previous saga: consistency, command of the area and a steady presence in European competition.
The game also allowed Villa to update their view on other Porto profiles. Midfielder Gabri Veiga scored twice and was named the standout performer in Portugal. Striker Samu Omorodion converted the third goal from the penalty spot. And winger Pepê set up the opener and caused problems on the right side. These displays added to the general interest that surrounds several Porto players across Europe.
Still, Costa’s role made the night more relevant from a Villa perspective. After last summer’s links and the uncertainty that once surrounded Emiliano Martínez, the club seem determined not to lose track of options in Portugal.
Whether this renewed observation leads to anything remains uncertain, but Villa’s return to the Dragão shows that the interest in Porto’s squad is still on.
