The pros and cons for Barcelona signing Bayern's Douglas Costa
An alternative to Deulofeu, would he be a good signing for Barça?
We analyse his strengths and weaknesses ahead of possible move
Barcelona are looking into signing Douglas Costa due to the doubts which have surfaced regarding bringing Gerard Deulofeu back. The Brazilian is an interesting option, a player who fits the criteria of the type of attacker the club are looking for this summer.
The player's situation (an inconsistent season with Bayern Munich under Carlo Ancelotti) means he could be available for 30 million euros this summer. What would he add to Barça? SPORT look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
One-on-one: "We need a player with quality in one-on-one situations." That's how Guardiola justified Douglas Costa's arrival at Bayern. And that's why Barça are interested. He's a player who can make the difference in the final third and who can scare defenders.
Versatile: Douglas Costa can play in three positions in attack. Above all on the two wings. He's a player who's strengths are passing and dribbling and he would offer Barça a new threat from wide positions.
Understanding with Neymar: The two know each other from the Brazil team and have a good relationship. They complement each other, too; with Neymar on the left, Douglas Costa can operate the right flank.
Price: Barça believe he could be available for 25 million euros, which is cheap in today's market. The Brazilian's desire to leave Bayern have led to a reduction in his price tag.
CONS:
Injuries: This season he's gained fame for being a player made of glass. As well as muscle problems he also had a knee injury which affected his campaign. For a player who is so explosive, it's an big problem.
Attitude: He's not been happy when he's not had an important role in the team. That's been clear at Bayern this season. Half way through the season he said he would leave if things hadn't changed in the summer. That made his relationship with Ancelotti colder. How would he handle time on the sidelines at Barça?
Lack of goals: Douglas Costa has many qualities, but none of them include scoring regularly. The player himself has admitted he needs to improve in this regard. But at 26 it doesn't seem an area of his game which is likely to change too drastically now.
