Douglas Costa will not return to Juventus despite the conclusion of Série A over in Brazil.
In May, the Bianconeri confirmed that Costa had joined Gremio, where he started his career, on loan until 30 June 2022. However, the winger’s reunion proved to be an unsatisfactory one with his side succumbing to relegation.
Costa made 26 league appearances and notched over 1,800 minutes of action, but picked up more yellow cards (seven) than goal contributions (five). Juventus fans are well aware of the Brazilian’s fiery nature, with his altercation with Sassuolo’s Federico Di Francesco that saw him earn a four-match ban at the start of the 2018/19 campaign still fresh in the memory.
The skilful winger impressed on loan at Juve during the 2017/18 season. So much so that the Bianconeri opted to buy him outright from Bayern Munich for a fee that exceeded €40m. However, after registering 16 Serie A goal contributions in his debut campaign, Costa made just eight in the two seasons that succeeded his permanent arrival in Piedmont.
After struggling to wow Maurizio Sarri amid perpetual injury woes, Costa returned to Bayern on loan for the 2020/21 season before joining Gremio.
Douglas Costa will not return to Juventus
The explosive winger was one of the most exciting players in Europe during his pomp, but injuries have taken their toll on the Brazilian, who is destined to see the rest of his career out either in his homeland or the Middle East.
The reliable Romeo Agresti (via @BianconeriZone) reports that the existing agreement between Juventus and Gremio will be adhered to. Costa will remain at Gremio until June next year despite the Brazilian club’s relegation from the top-flight.
The player can find another club if he wishes, but a return to Turin has been ruled out. His Juventus career is all but over.
Nicolo Schira understands that various Saudi Arabian and Qatari clubs are interested in Costa, while Spanish outlet Fichajes (via @DeadlineDayLive) writes that Sevilla are lining up a January bid for the Brazilian.