Liverpool and Manchester City are in hot pursuit to sign Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa, according to various reports.
The 26-year-old Brazilian is looking towards an exit for not getting ample game time under new Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti. Bayern have reportedly put a price tag of £30m on the forward.
Costa has been inconsistent for the German outfit and the club also couldn’t offer enough game time to the Brazilian. Going by the reports, a transfer is imminent. Juventus have been linked for quite some time now and recently English Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and United have joined as the potential suitors for the Brazilian.
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool, buoyed by a top four finish, are desperate to add quality to their squad. The Merseysiders desperately want a classy winger to their ranks as Sadio Mane is the only proper wide forward they have. Lack of width in attack, especially on the left flank, has been an issue. Manager Jurgen Klopp would want a top left-winger because there is Mane on the right. Costa is predominantly a left-winger, with great talent. Pace, dribbling and fantastic crossing ability are his forte and Liverpool are clearly missing them on the left.
In this window itself, Liverpool have contacted AS Roma for winger Mohamed Salah. Liverpool have reportedly agreed to terms with the player. But there is a fair amount of confusion regarding the deal as Roma are apparently playing hardball and in that case, Liverpool will do exactly the same and will not be paying over the odds. Plus, Salah shines playing on the right flank, exactly where Mane plays currently. There is another factor to consider, every two years, there will be African Cup of Nations, which collide with Premier League season. Hence, during Afcon, Liverpool would potentially lose both Mane and Salah, should the Egyptian sign for Liverpool. Douglas Costa for £30m might sound a better investment.
MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City should be in the hunt for a top winger too. Costa is clearly an upgrade over Sterling and Nolito. So, manager Pep Guardiola would want a reunion with Costa. Costa’s rate of churning out key passes, ball holding ability, crossing, shooting, dribbling and passing ability would make him an asset to Guardiola’s set up. Sane, De Bruyne and Costa behind striker Aguero, with a certain Gabriel Jesus: City attack can well be a mouth-watering prospect to watch out for in the next season.