Pranav Nair
Manchester United hold talks with the agents of Douglas Costa
Speaking to Sky Sports, respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that Manchester United are in touch with the agents of Douglas Costa.
The 29-year-old is seen as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund superstar Jadon Sancho. The move is under threat after United refused to meet the German giants’ £108million asking price for the winger.
“The agents have talked to Manchester United, for sure, and have proposed his transfer.”
With the Red Devils failing to meet the August 10 deadline, the flying winger is in Austria with his teammates for a pre-season training camp.
According to Di Marzio, United have now turned their attention to Costa. The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order at Juventus and is surplus to requirements.
Talented but broken?
Although Costa is not a bad option, his injury record makes him a risky piece of business. The 29-year-old has missed 46 games due to various injuries in the past two years.
“They will think about it, but the problem is that Douglas Costa is often injured, so this is a problem for a club that wants to buy him.”
While there is little doubt regarding his talent, problems persist regarding his fitness. Capable of playing in a variety of attacking roles, the Samba star would surely be an asset for United provided he stays fit.
One of the defining moments in the Europa League semifinals against Sevilla was Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s substitutions. The Norwegian seemed to lack game-changing options that he could bring off the bench.
This would advocate the need for the Red Devils to add both quality and strength in depth. Costa is a dynamic player who can change the course of the game. However, the trick lies in ensuring he stays fit to do so.
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With the 2020-21 Premier League season fast approaching, United have to get going regarding their transfer deals.
Costa is an interesting alternative to Sancho, but not the only one out there. It remains to be seen how United go about in the window.
