Bayern Munich signs Brazil midfielder Douglas Costa

Bayern is paying 30 million euros ($33 million) for the player whose contract with the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk ran to 2018.

July 02, 2015 01:17 pm | Updated 01:17 pm IST - Munich

Bayern Munich signed Brazil midfielder Douglas Costa from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old, whose full name is Douglas Costa de Souza, signed a deal through June 2020, and will wear the No. 11 jersey, Bayern said.

“A dream has come true for me today,” said Costa, who will join his new teammates on July 11. “I’m proud to become a player for Bayern, following in the footsteps of so many magnificent Brazilian players.”

Donetsk said Bayern was paying 30 million euros ($33 million) for the player whose contract with the club ran to 2018.

After joining Donetsk from Gremio in January 2010, Costa scored 38 goals in 203 competitive games and helped the side to five consecutive titles from 2010-14, as well as three Ukrainian Cup wins.

“Douglas Costa will be good for our team,” Bayern sporting director Matthias said. “He has great technical ability, a powerful left-foot, he is very agile, and extremely quick.”

Costa can play on either flank, and is expected to provide an alternative to injury-prone wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Ribery will miss the start of the season because of persistent ankle problems.

Costa was part of the Brazil side which disappointed at the Copa America. He missed his spot kick in the 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the quarterfinals.

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