Sydney FC sign Douglas Costa
Sydney surprised everyone on Monday with their shock announcement that they had signed former Bayern Munich and Juventus star Douglas Costa on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old winger has signed a two-year deal and brings with him an impressive amount of silverware. Costa has won 22 trophies in his career with Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. He also has 31 international caps with Brazil.
“I have been part of some incredible teams throughout my career, winning many titles and I have come to Sydney FC to win more,” Costa said.
The deal is by-far the most high profile move of the transfer window so far. Sky Blues chairman Scott Barlow says the deal is one of the biggest transfers in A-League history.
“He is one of the most high-profile footballers to ever play on these shores and the eyes of the football world will be on Sydney FC and the A-League this season.
“Douglas is a proven winner, and his record of titles in the world’s top leagues is testament to that. This is yet another landmark signing in our club’s history and we welcome Douglas to Australia,” Barlow said
Sydney FC manager Ufuk Talay compared Costa’s signing to when Sydney FC brought in World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero to the A-League back in 2012.
The former Galatasaray player said of the signing: “Douglas, he’s up there with that (the Del Piero signing)...They played in the same competition (Serie A). They are different type of players… but you look at Douglas’ career and what he’s achieved in his career, I think he’s up there with Del Piero.
“We look at Douglas as a world-class player, and the great thing about him is he can play in multiple positions, and I always set up a team to put the players where they can use their best attributes more often, so we’ll find a way to get the best out of Douglas.
“People that love football, who understand the game, will know who Douglas is. Hopefully, with his following that he has on social media we’ll get our brand out there…and also football lovers will come out to see such a quality player in the A-League.”
Four-team title race
Costa’s signing caused Sydney FC to shoot up the A-League title odds list. The Sky Blues were just outside the top three looking in. They are now right in the thick of things along with the league’s other title contenders.
Most Australian betting apps have the Sky Blues as one of the top two or three sides most likely to win the Grand Final next season.
PlayUp has Sydney FC as joint-third favourites at $6.50 odds along with Melbourne City. The Victory top the futures odds list with $5.50 odds. Reigning champions Central Coast Mariners are second favourites at $6.00.
We will get our first look at whether Costa really has what it takes to make Sydney FC title contenders in just a few weeks. The 33-year-old is expected to make his competitive debut for the Sky Blues in their AFC Champions League 2 match against Hong Kong club Eastern FC on September 19.
