Douglas Costa

Douglas Costa de Souza (born 14 September 1990 in Sapucaia do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul), commonly known as Douglas Costa or simply Douglas, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for FC Shakhtar Donetsk.^[1]

Shakhtar Donetsk

On 10 January 2010 he signed a 5 year contract with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk for €6 million.^[2] He made his competitive debut in a Europa League tie in a 2–1 defeat at Fulham's Craven Cottage and made his home debut the following week in the 2nd leg of the tie. His first season with Shakhtar wasn't what he might have expected, he started a couple of matches, but most of his goals came as a substitutes scoring for consecutive games to bring Shakhtar victories. This season he has scored 5 league goals for the Ukrainian giants.

Statistics

The 2009 South America Youth Championship winner was a much sought after prospect before his rather surprising move east to the Brazilian colony at Shakhtar last winter. A subdued first six months at the club has segued into a more productive second half of 2010. His explosive turn of pace and skilful style of play has seen Lucescu use him on both wings, with his ability to cut inside from the right providing an ancillary goal threat. Still a little inconsistent, but revelling in the liberal attacking environment that Lucescu has created in Donetsk.

He has been linked with a number of big clubs for the summer transfer window including Liverpool, Manchester City and their rivals Manchester United. On June 16, information revealed Arsenal had tabled a bid which included fellow Brazilian Denilson as part of the offer. Costa's agent Cesar Bottega said: "Shakhtar said no. They are not interested in Denilson and would want only money."

Club career