Diego Costa is closing in on a surprise return to the Premier League with Wolves, and exactly what he’ll bring has been detailed by a South American football expert.
The fiery 33-year-old hasn’t played a senior competitive match since January. His return to Brazil in the summer of 2021 lasted just half a season upon seeing his contract with Atletico Mineiro terminated.
That made him a free agent in the winter window and speculation was predictably rampant at the time, though ultimately, Costa was unable to find a new club.
However, fast forward nine months and an opportunity has opened up.
Wolves signed Sasa Kalajdzic to provide back-up for Raul Jimenez. However, the 25-year-old Austrian suffered terrible luck by tearing his ACL on his debut against Southampton.
Kalajdzic is out of action for the foreseeable future and his woes have opened the door to Costa who can be signed outside of the window given he is a free agent.
The Guardian report a medical has been booked and will be conducted on Tuesday. Depending on the results of the procedure, a one-year deal could be offered. A final decision will be made in the next 24-48 hours.
Responding to the news, South American football expert, Tim Vickery, was quizzed about Costa on Sky Sports News.
Vickery claimed there are red flags in the case of Costa, though he does have something left in the tank if his stint at Atletico Mineiro is anything to go by.
What’s more, Vickery recounted a story about Costa’s first day at Chelsea that will go down well at Molineux.
Diego Costa made immediate impression on John Terry
“Bruno Lage wants him there,” said Vickery. “He’s clearly not match-fit as he hasn’t played since January.
“He’s coming up 34 so he’s not the player he was in his heyday with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, but he brings plenty to the table. Experience and [he’s] such a competitor.
“There’s a story I heard about his very first day at Chelsea. He couldn’t speak any English; I think he used [Cesc] Fabregas as his translator.
“He went up to John Terry, the captain, and said: ‘I’m going to get into a physical battle with the opposing centre-backs and I’d like to know that if it all kicks off, I’ve got your support’.
“This was music to John Terry’s ears, this was exactly what he wanted to hear from his centre-forward.
“Costa is a very controversial character. Hated by opponents and by opposition fans, but he tends to be very very popular with his teammates.”
Vickery then admitted Costa began to struggle with niggling injuries during his stint back in Brazil with Mineiro.
However, he performed well when on the pitch, helping his side to lift the league and cup double in 2021.