Jun 22, 2018; Saint Petersburg, Russia; Brazil forward Neymar (10), midfielder Casemiro (5) and forward Douglas Costa (7) celebrate after a goal against Costa Rica in Group E play during the FIFA World Cup 2018 at Saint Petersburg Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Galaxy added playmaking help for the next two seasons, acquiring winger Douglas Costa on loan from Juventus in Italy.
Costa, who has appeared in 31 career games with the Brazil national team and was on the country’s 2018 World Cup squad, played four seasons with Juventus, starting in the 2017-18 season. He will be added to the Galaxy as a designated player.
After being loaned to Bayern Munich in Germany for 11 games in the 2020-21 season, his most recent loan was to Gremio in Brazil for 26 games in 2021.
“Douglas is a world-class player and a proven champion at the highest level,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “His capacity to create and finish will add yet another level to our attack. We are excited to integrate him into the team as we push toward the start of the season.”
Costa’s current loan to the Galaxy is for sixth months, when his Juventus deal will expire. The MLS club added another season by signing the 31-year-old through 2023.
Costa, who started his professional career with Shakhtar in the Ukraine before moving to Bayern Munich for two seasons and then to Juventus, has 47 club goals and 53 assists in league games across 13 seasons.
With the Galaxy, Costa will join fellow designated players Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Kevin Cabral. Los Angeles’ season begins Feb. 27 with a home game against defending MLS champion New York City FC.
–Field Level Media