Diego Costa is reportedly close to completing a transfer to Brazilian club Palmeiras. Sky Sports are reporting that the striker, who terminated his contract with La Liga frontrunners Atletico Madrid in January, is returning to Sao Paulo to play for the club he supported as a boy.
The move comes after the former Chelsea striker was linked with a move back to the Premier League in the winter transfer window.
Diego Costa to Sign For Brazilian Club Palmeiras
Costa is in Brazil to Seal the Transfer
Having left Diego Simeone‘s Atletico Madrid last month, Costa is already in Brazil and is expected to complete his transfer to Palmeiras as a free agent over the coming days.
It is thought that personal terms have already been agreed between the club and Costa, who has found a new team after leaving the Spanish capital for personal reasons.
The 32-year-old had been under contract at Atletico Madrid until 30 June 2021, but his request to terminate his contract was granted and he left the club with the best wishes of its manager Simeone.
“We have spent a lot of time together over the years; he has given us a lot and we have given him a lot too,” said Simeone after the striker decided to cut short his time in La Liga was confirmed.
“We spoke about his personal issues and the club wanted to help him without harming its own interests and we feel better now we have resolved the issue.
“He felt the need to find a new challenge, and I’m sure wherever he goes he will do well, because he’s a fighter.”
Costa Leaves After 15 Years Playing in Europe
Costa began his playing career in Brazil before moving to Portugal to join Braga in 2006. He would go on to sign for Atletico Madrid in 2007 but did not become to club’s first-choice centre-forward until the 2013/14 season.
After scoring 36 goals in all competitions that campaign, Costa caught the attention of Chelsea and José Mourinho, who brought him to the Premier League in the summer of 2014.
Costa would win league titles under both Mourinho and Antonio Conte before returning to Atletico in 2018, having scored 59 goals for the London club.
The striker was brought up in Brazil and made two appearances for the national team. However, he switched allegiances to Spain during his first spell in La Liga and has scored ten goals in 24 appearances for the Spanish national side.
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