Juventus star Douglas Costa was one of the prime targets for Premier League giants Manchester United in the summer transfer window but Maurizio Sarri did not want to let go of the Brazilian.
This is according to Costa’s agent Giovanni Branchini who claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskaer was heavily interested in signing the Brazilian winger in order to bolster his attacking department. The Norwegian however, signed Daniel James from Swansea City instead and the Welsh star is currently the top scorer for the club this season.
Costa joined Juventus on loan back in 2017 but made his move to Turin a permanent one just a year later. But last season, the 28-year-old was only a bit-part player under Massimiliano Allegri due to his injury problems as well as some health issues and Manchester United were eager to take advantage of that situation.
Solskjaer wanted an attacking winger with quality who could add goals and assists and Costa fit the bill perfectly but Juventus were not at all interested in selling their prized midfielder.
Costa’s agent Giovanni Branchini admitted that United held a strong interest in the Brazilian but Juventus were adamant that he is not leaving the club as he is vital to Maurizio Sarri starting the first two league games in the Serie A this season.
He said, “I sincerely say that Allegri and Sarri have never thought of letting him go “The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in him. They were not the only club, but in England, they were certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa. He had countless health problems. Last season he was very often injured. He is wanting to recover with great professionalism after standing still. Juventus never intended to sell him despite the big pressure from United.”
