December 19, 2020, Madrid, Madrid, Spain: Diego Costa of Atletico de Madrid celebrates goal during La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and Eche CF at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain. December 19, 2020. Madrid Spain - ZUMAp177 0108704122st Copyright: xAngelxPerezx
According to Metro, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes that the club should sign Diego Costa. He was of the opinion that Costa could make City title favorites and pip Manchester United to the league. He also said that Costa could have an impact similar to what Edinson Cavani is having at United.
It is probably hard to describe what Sergio Aguero is to City given his impact since signing for the club. From scoring the most important goal in the club’s history which won them their first-ever Premier League to becoming the record scorer for the club, he is an absolute legend at the Etihad.
However, as time is passing, Aguero’s age is slowly catching up to him and it is visible from the injuries he has been suffering. He has missed 51 games in the last 4 seasons. Clearly, another experienced striker is a huge requirement at this stage.
Sergio Aguero is slowly entering the twilight years of his career and whether or not City like it, they will have to replace him eventually. The sooner they do it the better it is because his injuries are becoming more frequent and Gabriel Jesus is the only other centre-forward in the side.
Costa guided Atletico to the La Liga title with a 27-goal haul during the 2013-14 season before sealing a move to Chelsea. The striker went on to enjoy a productive spell at Stamford Bridge, scoring 52 times in 89 appearances for the Blues in the Premier League over three seasons. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Costa won the PL title twice during his three-year stay at the club, establishing himself as a firm fan favourite in West London. However, things didn’t quite work out for him since returning to Atletico.
Costa slipped down the pecking order this season after scoring just 10 goals in the La Liga over the past three campaigns. The veteran only started two league fixtures for the Rojiblancos this term before being released, which pretty much sums up his dismal situation.
Nonetheless, Man City signing Diego Costa on a free transfer in January would certainly be a risk worth taking as far as Guardiola is concerned. The Spaniard has had his fair share of struggles with injuries in recent seasons but he remains a world-class striker still capable of playing at the highest level.
The veteran has been short of goals at Atletico in recent seasons but a return to England might help him rediscover his mojo. Diego Costa absolutely terrorised defences in the Premier League with his brute force and clinical finishing earlier in his career.
It would be fair to say that the Spaniard is somewhat past his prime. But at 32, he still has something to offer and would be a useful addition to the blue half of Manchester.