Luis Suarez's replacement? Ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa joins Gremio on free transfer after Brazilian side lose striker to Inter Miami

Posted Saturday, February 10, 2024 by Goal.com

Ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa has joined Gremio on a free transfer after the Brazilian side lost Luis Suarez to Inter Miami.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 35-year-old signed a contract with Gremio to revive his career in the land of his birth after a brief stint with Botafogo. He has penned a one-year deal until the end of 2024 with the Serie A outfit and will be tasked with filling the void left by Suarez, who chose to reunite with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami in MLS.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Costa had an underwhelming season with Botafogo in the last campaign as he scored just three goals in 13 matches. Over the past three seasons, he managed only 11 goals in 66 matches, including an underwhelming spell at Wolves in the English Premier League.

DID YOU KNOW?

In his prime, Costa was a force to be reckoned with as he netted 52 goals in 83 matches during his spell at Stamford Bridge and played a key role in inspiring the Blues to two Premier League titles and a League Cup. However, he is mostly remembered for his days in Spain with Atletico Madrid where he emerged as a feared striker under the guidance of Diego Simeone, scoring 83 goals in two spells.

WHAT NEXT?

Costa will land in Porto Alegre in the next few days to undergo a medical examination before putting pen to paper. Fans will be eagerly waiting to find out if the striker can reignite some of his old magic in the twilight of his career in the Brazilian league.