Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has signed a season-long contract with Wolverhmapton after obtaining a work permit to return to the Premier League.
After leaving Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in January, where he played 19 times and scored five goals in the 2021 season before his contract was terminated after only five months, the 33-year-old former Chelsea striker signed on a free transfer.
Wolves have moved for the former Atletico Madrid forward after summer signing Sasa Kalajdzic was ruled out by an ACL injury he suffered during their home win over Southampton last weekend. The side needed a striker because they had only three goals in six league games, the fewest of any of the 20 teams.
Costa hasn’t played a single professional game since December 2021, and it’s unclear whether Bruno Lage will include him in his squad for Saturday’s game against Manchester City.
“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,”
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said in a statement.
Costa had built a reputation as a formidable number nine whilst at Chelsea between 2014-2017, scoring 59 goals in all competitions and helping the Stamford Bridge-based side to two Premier League titles after he signed for a 32 million pounds transfer fee.
He was the club’s top scorer in all three seasons before a squabble with then-manager Antonio Conte forced him out and back to Atletico. He scored 83 goals in two seasons at Atletico, winning two LaLiga titles and the Europa League.
Wolves are 14th in the league table with one win, and they play Manchester City on Saturday.
