Guardiola’s Bayern Munich bring Douglas Costa to the Bundesliga

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, odds-on with Coral at 1/10 to retain the German league title next term, have made their first major splash in the transfer market, with the signing of Brazilian attacker Douglas Costa for £21.3m from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.

It remains to be seen whether Costa, who featured in the Copa America this summer for Brazil, will be a direct replacement for anyone, with Franck Ribery’s time at the club said to numbered, though his arrival does give Bayern another attacking midfielder in the mould of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara, which boss Pep Guardiola seems to like.

Costa, who was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier in the season, has scored 40 goals in 232 appearances for Shakhtar and will be hoping he can improve his record at Bayern.

The 24-year-old thanked fans of his former club and is looking forward to a new challenge in Bavaria.

“I hope all fans understand my decision, but is part of the evolution of each player. Here is my love for each of you, who are always been with me in good and bad moments,” he said.

“We achieved many things together, but we can not forget the losses which served to our growth. My sincerely thanks for received me so well, since the day I arrived. And I’m sure was the most correct choice that I made five years ago when I decided to join Shakhtar. It was an honor to wear this victorious shirt!

“I hope we can return to our home Donetsk as soon as possible. Although it is very hard to say, see you soon! I love you guys and will bring all you in my heart wherever I am.”

It remains to be seen how he will slot in at the club, with Guardiola experimenting with different systems on numerous occasions last term. Costa is relatively versatile, and as well as operating anywhere in midfield, he can also play as a striker. Linking up with Robert Lewandowski is certainly one option.