During Marcelo Bielsa‘s reign as manager at Leeds United, there were some links originating from Italy that claimed he wanted Douglas Costa at Elland Road – and now, Costa has emerged as a free agent.
Costa, 33, has spent the last 18 months in America with LA Galaxy. He has been playing alongside the likes of Maya Yoshida, Chicharito and recently – Billy Sharp, who left Sheffield United in the summer.
But after 51 outings for LA, in which he had a hand in 16 goals, the 31-time Brazil is looking for a new challenge. Of course, he is no longer the player that starred for Juventus, Bayern Munich and Shakhtar.
However, he remains an incredible player that can still beat a man for pace and trickery. An eye for a goal, and able to lay on an assist. CalcioMercato said in 2021 that Bielsa was keen to have him at Leeds.
A fee of £9m was required but it never got beyond interest – and it was unclear what Costa felt over a move to a Leeds side in the Premier League, under Bielsa. Now, Fabrizio Romano says he will leave LA.
Bielsa wanted Costa at Leeds and now he is a free agent
In his day, there weren’t many better wingers in the world than Costa. Renowned for his incredible pace, his best years came at Bayern – 45 goals and assists in 97. A three-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern.
He has died off and is more than likely to move to Saudi Arabia for the last couple of years of what has been a sensational career. But he has lost that yard of pace and in English football, he would struggle.
Certainly, Leeds no longer need a winger – with Jaidon Anthony, Cree Summerville, Ian Poveda, Willy Gnonto and Dan James all options for Daniel Farke. Costa looks set for a move to the Middle East.
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