According to Leeds Live, Leeds United are set to miss out on Douglas Costa. The Whites were one of the clubs interested in the Juventus winger, who was on loan from Bayern Munich this season. However, it appears the attacker is on the verge of a return to his native Brazil by joining Gremio, ruling out any potential move to Elland Road this summer.
Douglas Costa’s Struggles At Bayern Munich
Douglas Costa rejoined Bayern Munich last summer, in a season-long loan deal from Juventus. However, he was more of a panic buy from the Bundesliga outfit amid fears over the fitness problems for the wide attacking duo of Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry.
The Brazilian, however, has endured a miserable campaign in the Bundesliga. He has featured in only 11 matches in the Bundesliga, only three of which were starts. Moreover, the winger was not favoured at all by Hansi Flick, while an unfortunate injury during the second half of the campaign ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Costa’s performances in the Hinrunde were also far from impressive. He lacked any sort of pace or penetration in his offensive game, allowing young players like Jamal Musiala to overtake him in the pecking order. Costa wasn’t even present to celebrate the title win with Bayern Munich in the final matchday of the campaign.
A Blessing In Disguise For Leeds United?
Leeds United are unlikely to be fazed by their failure in the pursuit of Douglas Costa. The Brazilian has been on a steady decline ever since he left Bayern Munich and is certainly not the player he once was under the leadership of Pep Guardiola.
In addition, the former Shakhtar Donetsk forward has had issues with injuries, thus raising further doubts over his potential transfer to Elland Road. It is also fair to point out that his rather one-dimensional approach might not have suited well at Leeds either, especially in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.
Leeds United, though, must find reinforcements in the attacking department this summer if they are to truly compete for a place in Europe next season and avoid getting the second season syndrome. While Costa certainly isn’t an option, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Whites succeed in their pursuit of another Brazilian star in Matheus Cunha this summer.
