Atletico Madrid's Spanish forward Diego Costa celebrates his goal during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on July 11, 2020. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Leeds Live, Leeds United have been tipped to sign Diego Costa by former Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell. The Spanish striker is now a free agent after exiting Atletico Madrid and terminating his contract. Campbell believes Leeds and Wolves are the two sides who need a striker and can go for Costa.
Leeds United have been one of the best sides to watch this season from a neutral standpoint. Under the charismatic Marcelo Bielsa, they have produced some fantastic football, even though some of the games have resulted in losses.
However, what is astonishing is that they don’t have another recognised striker other than Patrick Bamford. The Englishman has scored a bulk of the team’s goals this season but it is clear that he needs someone else to chip in with the goals occasionally so that he does not burn out in the second half of the season.
While Rodrigo Moreno was signed, he has predominantly been used as an attacking midfielder. Now the problem is that there is no other senior striker to call upon in the event Bamford is injured or needs to be rested.
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. 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 haven’t quite worked 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, which pretty much sums up his dismal situation.
Putting things into context, Leeds signing Diego Costa on a free transfer in January would certainly be a risk worth taking as far as Bielsa 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 Bielsa’s side who lack depth in the forward department.