Wolves confirm signing of Diego Costa on free transfer
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa until the end of the season.
The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in January, but returns now to Europe pending receiving international clearance.
Despite signing Sasa Kalajdzic this summer for around £15m, Wolves again found themselves in need of attacking reinforcements after the Austrian suffered an ACL injury in his first Premier League game for the club.
With Raul Jimenez the only other natural No9 available to Bruno Lage, the Molineux club have moved to add the experienced Costa to the squad on a one-year deal.
Having eventually broken through at Atletico after several loan spells, he was a key player under Diego Simeone for the 2013/14 LaLiga title win, as well as the run to the Champions League final the same season.
A transfer to England ensued, with Costa scoring 52 goals in three seasons at Stamford Bridge before a return to Atletico in 2017. While no longer as effective a performer as his second stint in Madrid went on, he still spent another three years in and around the line-up before departing in December 2020, ahead of a move to his native Brazil.
Costa, who won two caps for the Selecao before switching to Spain and winning a further 24 caps, has long been known for his aggressive style of play and ability to lead the line, even if his best goalscoring days are behind him.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Diego Costa to Wolves, and back to the Premier League.
“A serial winner with a wealth of experience at the highest level, Diego will bring something unique to our dressing room and on the pitch, and we look forward to his impact at Molineux and Compton this season.”
