Douglas Costa reveals how Alex Sandro triggered his move to Juventus | OneFootball

Juventus signed Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich in 2017 on an initial loan deal, before making his move permanent at the end of the 2017/2018 season.

However, the winger had been approached about joining the Bianconeri earlier and initially told the club’s director at the time, Andrea Agnelli, that he was happy at Bayern Munich.

After facing Costa in the Champions League, Max Allegri believed the Brazilian suited his system and wanted to bring him to Turin. Costa remained at Bayern at that stage, meaning Juventus had to wait before they could complete the move.

Much later, Costa had a conversation with his friend Alex Sandro, who was the starting left back at Juventus. Sandro told the Bianconeri that Costa was now ready to join, allowing the club to make its move.

Costa eventually joined Juventus

Costa went on to achieve great things with the Bianconeri before being released in 2022. Despite eventually leaving the club, the Brazilian continues to remember the Old Lady as one of the most important clubs in his career.

His eventual transfer was influenced by his desire to play regularly and secure his place in the Brazil squad for the World Cup. The situation at Bayern had changed following the arrival of Ancelotti, which encouraged Costa to consider a move away.

The winger has now recalled how his conversation with Sandro helped set the transfer in motion. His former teammate played an important role in making Juventus aware that Costa was ready to make the move.

(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Costa explains how the move happened

Costa explained the situation and revealed how Sandro informed the Juventus hierarchy about his willingness to join. He said via Tuttojuve:

“Guardiola had left Bayern and Ancelotti had arrived, preferring to focus on Robben and Ribery, while I wanted to go to the World Cup and needed to play, and I told him so. He didn’t want me to leave, but he told me that at the end of the season I would be free to go. I’m telling you this because it was Alex Sandro himself, there in Australia, who asked me if I wanted to go to Juve. I said yes, and he notified Paratici, who in turn contacted my agent.”

Costa’s recollection shows how a conversation with Alex Sandro helped Juventus complete a move that had initially appeared unlikely. The Brazilian ultimately got his opportunity in Turin and went on to enjoy an important spell with the Bianconeri.