Diego Costa had interest in making a splash signing with MLS but the market for the striker simply wasn’t there.
Mostly recently on the books at Atletico Madrid, Costa is currently a free agent who has been linked to a return to Brazil as well as an offer in Saudi Arabia. But the player was shopped around to MLS teams this offseason, a source tells FanSided’s MLS Multiplex.
The 32-year old, while a talented striker, has been hobbled by injuries in recent years that have affected his fitness and sharpness on the pitch. There is also a rather sizable contract, which would certainly distance MLS clubs as the league in recent years is trending towards younger players who can be flipped and sold to larger leagues for a profit.
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Rumors had linked Costa to a move to Inter Miami this offseason but a source said that the move was never seriously in the works.
Capped 24 times by Spain (and twice by Brazil), Costa has seen his impact at Metropolitano Stadium limited in recent years due to injuries.
This past season in La Liga, he has two goals in seven appearances for the Champions League side.
His best seasons came in the English Premier League with Chelsea. In 35 appearances in 2016-17, Costa had 20 goals in league play. Two seasons prior to that, in 26 appearances he notched 20 goals at Stamford Bridge.
Injuries have derailed Costa’s ability to stay on the field and perform at a high level in recent seasons.
In recent weeks, Costa has been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia as well as Brazilian club Palmeiras. The Brazilian-born striker has never played for a top-flite side in Brazil.
This is Costa’s third stint with Atletico, having also played in Portugal (Braga) as well as the aforementioned four years in England at Chelsea. He also has been on loan at a number of sides in La Liga.