According to journalist Fabricio Romano, Douglas Costa’s next move seems to be pointing to a more exotic destination. The Italian pundit stated that the Brazilian is close to finalizing a move to the Saudi Arabian top flight. Douglas Costa’s plan appears to involve traveling to the Gulf nation in the coming weeks to explore various offers that may come his way before the market opens. While the interested clubs have not yet been publicly disclosed, it is expected that the first names will emerge in the course of the coming weeks.
Los Angeles Galaxy unexpectedly announced Douglas Costa’s departure from the team at the end of the season. “We would like to thank Douglas for his contributions to LA Galaxy. We wish him and his family all the best in the next step of his career,” acknowledged Greg Vanney, the team’s manager, in a statement. The contract between the former Bayern Munich player and the LA-based franchise expires at the end of the year (31st December), making him a free agent with the freedom to choose his next move. Costa’s tenure with the Galaxy has been somewhat bittersweet. Arriving as a franchise player with a salary exempt from Fair Play restrictions, his performance has not justified the substantial investment made in him, amassing just eight goals and 12 assists in his 51 appearances as a ‘Galaxy’ player. The 33-year-old Brazilian winger played for many big clubs during his football career, such as German Bayern Munich, Italian Juventus, and Brazilian Gremio. Costa played 51 matches with Los Angeles Galaxy in various competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 8 assists.