Football News

Juventus winger Douglas Costa hits back at Man Utd transfer claims

By John Smith

Published: 16:51, 10 September 2019

Juventus winger Douglas Costa has hit back at his former agent’s claims that Manchester United tried to sign him during the summer.

Giovanni Branchini helped make Costa’s move from Bayern Munich to Juventus in 2017 possible and recently told the Daily Mail that Man Utd have “always been interested” in the 28-year-old.

Were United interested in Costa? Five things to know…

  • Costa joined Juventus from Bayern – initially on loan – in 2017.
  • Injury restricted him to just seven Serie A starts last term.
  • Costa was linked with Man Utd, with his former agent now revealing their interest.
  • But Costa has dismissed this claim, insisting he is loyal to Juve.
  • United instead signed Daniel James, who has scored three goals for the club so far.

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“I sincerely say that Allegri and Sarri have never thought of letting him go,” Branchini said.

“The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in the Brazilian.

“It was not the only club but in England, it was certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa.”

He added: “He loves Juventus but is able to adapt to every reality. Premier League is a beautiful championship but for now United have failed in all their attempts to convince Juventus to sell him.”

But Branchini no longer represents Costa and the player himself took to Instagram on Monday to dismiss his former representative’s claims.

“I’m writing to deny the baseless news published today, which said I was in negotiations with some clubs during the last transfer window,” Costa wrote.

“Since the start of this season, I’ve been clear that I wanted to stay here to win trophies and give blood for the Juve jersey.

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“Junior Mendoza is my only agent and the only person authorised to speak on my behalf.”

Despite appearing to be a rather more modest signing, United did secure a winger over the summer in the form of Daniel James from Swansea City.

The Welsh speedster has made a strong impression at Old Trafford so far, too, scoring three goals in four appearances for the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men host Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.