Report: Barcelona consider Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa as possible replacement for Pedro

Barcelona are considering Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa as possible replacement for forward Pedro, according to reports. Website Football Espana suggests that Barça scout Urbano Ortega will attend Shakhtar’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Bayern Munich to assess Costa ahead of a possible move. Any approach from Barcelona would be hindered […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-03-11 19:52:00

Barcelona are considering Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa as possible replacement for forward Pedro, according to reports.

Website Football Espana suggests that Barça scout Urbano Ortega will attend Shakhtar’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Bayern Munich to assess Costa ahead of a possible move.

Any approach from Barcelona would be hindered by their current transfer embargo, though they could in theory agree deal in the summer transfer window and then take Costa to Catalunya in January 2016, when they will be allowed to register new players again.

Barcelona’s reported interest in Costa stems from suggestions that Pedro could move on at the end of the season.

The 27 year-old, who is contracted until June 2016, has scored ten goals in 36 appearances this season, but has started infrequently and is behind Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar in the pecking order.

Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus was believed to be the first choice to come in for Pedro, but his decision to renew his contract has complicated any potential deal and seemingly forced Barça Head Coach Luis Enrique to turn to Costa.

The 24 year-old has been with Shakhtar since they signed him from Grêmio for a reported fee of €8 million in January 2010 and has won eleven major honours.

This season, he’s scored three goals in 21 appearances and was linked with Chelsea in the January transfer window.