Bayern Munich: Douglas Costa eyeing a move back to Italy
The return to Bayern Munich has not gone as per plan for Douglas Costa. The Brazilian winger is currently on the treatment table after suffering a metatarsal injury two weeks ago. His less game time in Bavaria has been a cause of frustration.
The German Champions wanted to add a wide player to the squad last summer after signing Leroy Sane from Manchester City. They tried to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea until the final week of the summer transfer window.
When it was clear that Chelsea had no plans to part ways with the young English forwards, Die Roten started looking at other alternatives. Eventually, Rekordmeister decided to bring Douglas Costa back to the club from Juventus on a straightforward loan deal.
It will take a strange turn of events for Bayern to even think about signing Costa on a permanent deal in the summer. Costa is also not keen on staying in the Bundesliga. While speaking to Twitch live broadcast with the journalist Pierluigi Pardo (via Gianluca Di Marzio), Costa admitted that he would like to play in Serie A next season.
"“I’d like to return to Italy, it’s a country that I really appreciate. We’ll see what happens, I still have a contract with Juve.”"
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The emergence of Jamal Musiala has also not helped Costa’s cause in Bavaria. The youngster is getting better with more playing time, limiting opportunities of squad players such as Costa. With Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry getting in form, Costa will find it difficult to get run of games with Die Roten before the end of the season. It has not been a pleasant return for Costa to Bavaria, but he will be hoping to have a strong end to the campaign with Die Roten.
Hansi Flick will be hoping that Costa recovers soon. Having an experienced wide player as an option on the bench can help the team in the latter stages of the season. Moreover, Costa’s skill set can help in breaking down stubborn defenses.
From the squad’s point of view, it will be a big surprise if Die Roten looks to sign a replacement for Costa in the summer. Musiala will be a much better attacking option next season after getting much-needed experience of first-team under his belt this year.
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The German Champions may look to hand a one-year extension to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The veteran forward can provide cover in number ten as well as wide positions next season. Another wide player could be on the agenda for the German club in 2023 when Choupo-Moting might leave, and there will be a need for more competition in the squad.