MY ACCOUNT
Diego Costa is on the verge of making one of the unlikeliest Premier League returns in history.
The striker, 33, is linking up with Wolves for a trial as he looks to earn a short-term deal.
But why have the Molineux outfit swooped for the former Chelsea man and would it be a sensible move?
Injury nightmare
While Wolves ended their 12-game wait for a Premier League win with a 1-0 success over Southampton, it was far from a perfect Saturday for Bruno Lage.
Raul Jimenez felt discomfort in the warm-up and was pulled from the squad, while debutant Sasa Kalajdzic was taken off at half-time due to a knee issue.
Scans after the game confirmed the £15.5million signing has suffered an ACL injury, which could rule him out for the season.
A club statement said: “Sasa felt a pain in his knee late in the first half against Southampton.
“Unfortunately, scans revealed an anterior cruciate injury and he will see a knee specialist.
“Raul’s pre-season was interrupted by a knee injury. He is still building his resilience and his ability to recover quickly during periods of match congestion.”
Premier striker
It is five years since Costa’s controversial but successful spell at Chelsea came to an end.
He won two Premier League titles during his three years in West London, scoring 52 times in 89 Premier League games in the process.
In each of the title-winning campaigns, Costa netted 20 times for the Blues while leading the line.
Though his time ended on a sour note as he fell out with Antonio Conte, the Italian often praised him when he was playing.
Conte once said: “He’s showing great passion, he likes to play football.
“He’s showing me great commitment and work-rate with and without the ball to help the team. Diego is a great striker.”
Costa’s recent history
It is fair to say Costa has not quite carried on his Chelsea form since leaving Stamford Bridge.
He left the Blues for a return to Atletico Madrid, where in three-and-a-half years he only scored 19 goals in 81 matches.
The Spain international’s contract was terminated in December 2020 and he did not play again until joining Atletico Miniero in Brazil 12 months ago.
After five goals in 19 games, his deal was ripped up in January and the Brazilian-born striker has not played since.
Good fit?
For a team who struggled at the end of last term and are yet to hit the ground running this time around, Costa’s mentality could help Wolves.
He is a born winner, claiming two LaLiga titles, three European Super Cups, the Brazilian title, Europa League, Copa del Rey, Brazilian Cup and an EFL Cup on top of his Premier League titles.
Costa has previously proven he is a natural scorer, even if the goals have dried up somewhat in recent seasons.
But with Lage desperately short of options up front, the fiery hitman could be just what is needed at Molineux.
Needs must
If Costa arrives at Wolves in good shape, ready to work hard and hit the ground running, Lage’s decision will be an easy one.
Goals have always been the team’s main issue since they were promoted back in 2018 and Kalajdzic was meant to help change that.
But his absence combined with Jimenez’s fitness issues since the start of pre-season means there is still a gaping hole in the squad.
Clubs can only sign free agents between now and January — and there are not many options out there.
Signing Costa is a gamble for Wolves. But it is one they simply have to take.
