After relegation with youth club Gremio
Douglas Costa has left Grêmio Porto Alegre early after being relegated to the Brazilian Série B but, as expected, will not be returning to regular club Juventus. The 31-year-old winger, who is on loan from the Bianconeri until the summer, joins the Los Angeles Galaxy. The MLS club officially confirmed the signing of the former Bayern professional on Thursday.
Costa will initially come to California on loan from Gremio until the end of the season and will then be transferred from Juventus to LA Galaxy on a free transfer in the summer, where he will have a contract until January 31, 2023. The offensive player will take the last available seat as a “designated player” whose salary does not fall below the usual cap in America. So far, Kévin Cabral (22) and ex-Leverkusen professional Chicharito (33) are only two of those under contract with Galaxy.
“Douglas is a world-class player and a proven professional at the highest level. His ability to create and complete chances will give our attack another option,” said Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. “We’re excited to add him to the team as we head into the start of the season.”
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Los Angeles is Costa’s fifth stop as a professional after playing for Shakhtar Donetsk alongside youth club Gremio, FC Bayern and Juventus. The left-footed player reached his career peak in the 2017/18 season in Turin, when he contributed 19 goals in 47 games and then received his highest market value of 55 million euros. “Douglas is an exceptional talent who has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world,” said LA Galaxy sporting director Jovan Kirovski. “He is a great addition to our team and we believe he will make the difference in MLS.”
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