Wolves have officially confirmed the signing of of Diego Costa on a free transfer, with the Spain international signing a one-year contract.
Bruno Lage had spent the last weeks of the summer window looking for a replacement centre forwards when Sasa Kalajdzic came from Stuttgart.
However, the Austria international sustained an ACL injury on his debut against Southampton, forcing the West Midlands club to consider signing a free agent.
On the same day that Kalajdzic’s long-term injury was reported, reports surfaced that Wolves were interested in signing Diego Costa, a player who had a successful three-year tenure with Chelsea from 2014 to 2017.
The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving Atletico Mineiro in January, putting his chances of obtaining a work permit in jeopardy.
It’s official. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/FXcgReSlsr
— Wolves (@Wolves) September 12, 2022
Nonetheless, despite failing to meet the requisite 15-point total, Wolves were successful in their appeal prior to medical examinations.
While the paperwork was completed on Thursday, the death of Queen Elizabeth II caused the transfer to be delayed by several days.
However, Wolves have now officially confirmed that the former Spain international has signed a one-year contract with the club.
What Did Diego Costa Say On Joining Wolves?
Diego Costa stated on the club’s official website: “It’s a first-class club with very good players who know how to play football and having the chance to play in the Premier League again was the main thing.
“Obviously, the club influenced my decision, especially knowing I will be able to adapt a lot more easily here not only from a technical point of view, the quality of the players but also from the fact that a lot of the players are Portuguese and that will make my transition that much smoother.
“It wasn’t in the best terms possible on accounts of a player’s injury which, unfortunately, I can only wish him nothing but the best for him.
“But when he [Bruno Lage] told me about returning to the Premier League since this a championship I have related to quite a bit, always liked it and followed. No matter how much I enjoyed playing in Madrid, I felt discouraged, but this motivated me. It lit that fire within me.”
See Also: VAR In Fresh Controversy After Juventus – Salernitana Error
Costa should be able to play in Saturday’s Premier League match against Manchester City if his international clearance arrives before midday on Friday.
Diego Costa won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, scoring 52 goals and providing 18 assists in 89 matches.
Although Costa was unable to reproduce that form during a second stint at Atletico Madrid and Atletico Mineiro, he arrives at Molineux determined to make the most of a surprise second chance to play in England’s top division.
COMMENTS