Douglas Costa has struggled with form and fitness in the last two seasons (Getty Images)
As per Spanish Broadcaster Tv3 (h/t The Express), Barcelona are planning to make a move for Douglas Costa in a swap deal, with Ivan Rakitic going in the opposite direction.
Costa, 29, who came through Gremio’s ranks in Brazil, earned a name for himself at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he made 202 appearances before moving to Germany with Bayern Munich. Though he was a regular member of the Bavarian squad, he was sent of loan to Juventus.
In his first season in Turin, the Brazilian impressed with 4 goals and 12 assists in Serie A that earned him a permanent move the following season. However, since his permanent switch to Italy, Costa has not been the same.
He has missed the majority of the last two seasons with several injuries and has failed to play continuously even after his return. Hence, it would be wise if the Catalan giants avoid a move for the Juventus star.
Quique Setien’s men have managed to reach the top of the La Liga table after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad last weekend. Despite their position in the league, they have been inconsistent and the absence of Luis Suarez has seen the team fall short of goals.
They have struggled throughout the campaign, except for Lionel Messi, who has been the lone warrior in Barcelona’s squad. Therefore, the manager should bring in some fresh faces in the summer but it should not be Douglas Costa.
The 29-year-old has been injury-prone for the past couple of years and has not been impactful for Maurizio Sarri’s side, except for the game against Atletico Madrid earlier in the campaign.
Barcelona have struggled with injuries to key players including Ousmane Dembele and Suarez, and have found it difficult. In this scenario, the inclusion of the Brazilian could cost them a lot if he falls prey to another injury issue.
The former Bayern Munich man’s performance has also gone down in the past two years as he has contributed with just 3 goals and 5 assists in the two campaigns combined. Injuries have taken a toll on him and his performance and therefore, going for a young winger in the summer would be a viable option for the Catalan giants.
Though the La Liga giants brought Martin Braithwaite last month in an emergency situation, they have not been at their best. Barcelona need to bring in reinforcements to enhance their attacking squad and they should not make a mistake by signing Costa, who has just a few years left to offer if he stays fit.
Therefore, a swap deal for the Brazil international should not take place and instead, they should move for youngsters.
