Yep, I can think of Jovan Kirovski and Celio Silva off the top of my head and I am sure theres more
Douglas Costa
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Yep, I can think of Jovan Kirovski and Celio Silva off the top of my head and I am sure theres more
Think S.A.F. prefers young
Are Manchester United being conned over Douglas Costa?
July 13, 2009
by
Pitaco do gringo’s Brazilian football blog
Douglas Costa: over rated and over priced?
Weekend reports in the British press have again linked Grêmio’s Douglas Costa with Manchester United.
The Premier League club have apparently been chasing the 18-year-old midfielder for more than a year. Now they may be close to getting their man in a cut-price deal, which could see Costa moving initially for as little as £7 million plus performance-related add-ons.
While it’s normal to see the British tabloids filling their pages with wild speculation, this weekend’s reports came from The Guardian, Independent and The Times.
According to The Guardian, Costa is being championed by Manchester United’s chief scout in Brazil, John Calvert-Toulmin.
The article talks about “the talented 18-year-old who has been hailed as “the new Ronaldinho” in his country” ….. and goes on to say …. “Manchester City are also aware of Costa’s burgeoning reputation …. adding “Grêmio is the club where Ronaldinho made his breakthrough and Costa has obvious similarities in terms of his ability to run with the ball and beat opponents from his favoured role between midfield and attack, as well as being a free-kick specialist.”
The Independent article is essentially a rehash of the Guardian post but makes slightly more grandiose claims in that “Costa is a free-kick specialist resonant of Cristiano Ronaldo and his close control has produced goals which the departed Portuguese would have cherished.”
All well and good. The only problem is that Douglas Costa has failed to perform any of these acts of genius in a league or cup game for Grêmio.
The teenager is currently injured but even when fit he rarely starts a match for the first team. Costa’s fame abroad far exceeds his reputation here in Brazil where he is certainly not regarded as the ‘next Ronaldinho Gaúcho’, he is definitely not famed for his free-kicks and any comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo would leave even the most ardent Grêmio fan in stitches.
The only thing Douglas Costa has done to date is manage to put in a few decent performances for Brazil’s Under 20s.
This is common place in a country that wheels out talented players seemingly on a daily basis. Some do go on to be the real article. Though many next big things such as Corinthians’ Lulinha and now perhaps Neymar at Santos, have struggled to reproduce the form they displayed for Brazil’s junior sides in the more demanding Brazilian league.
Manchester United seem dead keen on getting their man. But just where have they got the idea that Costa is all the things he’s cracked up to be? Grêmio have played 41 games already this season. Costa has made just 15 appearances and has failed to score a single goal. Something does not quite add up. United and their scouts are either the best potential spotters in the business or they are having the wool pulled over their eyes big time.
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Worrying??
July 13, 2009
by
Pitaco do gringo’s Brazilian football blog
Douglas Costa: over rated and over priced?
Weekend reports in the British press have again linked Grêmio’s Douglas Costa with Manchester United.
The Premier League club have apparently been chasing the 18-year-old midfielder for more than a year. Now they may be close to getting their man in a cut-price deal, which could see Costa moving initially for as little as £7 million plus performance-related add-ons.
While it’s normal to see the British tabloids filling their pages with wild speculation, this weekend’s reports came from The Guardian, Independent and The Times.
According to The Guardian, Costa is being championed by Manchester United’s chief scout in Brazil, John Calvert-Toulmin.
The article talks about “the talented 18-year-old who has been hailed as “the new Ronaldinho” in his country” ….. and goes on to say …. “Manchester City are also aware of Costa’s burgeoning reputation …. adding “Grêmio is the club where Ronaldinho made his breakthrough and Costa has obvious similarities in terms of his ability to run with the ball and beat opponents from his favoured role between midfield and attack, as well as being a free-kick specialist.”
The Independent article is essentially a rehash of the Guardian post but makes slightly more grandiose claims in that “Costa is a free-kick specialist resonant of Cristiano Ronaldo and his close control has produced goals which the departed Portuguese would have cherished.”
All well and good. The only problem is that Douglas Costa has failed to perform any of these acts of genius in a league or cup game for Grêmio.
The teenager is currently injured but even when fit he rarely starts a match for the first team. Costa’s fame abroad far exceeds his reputation here in Brazil where he is certainly not regarded as the ‘next Ronaldinho Gaúcho’, he is definitely not famed for his free-kicks and any comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo would leave even the most ardent Grêmio fan in stitches.
The only thing Douglas Costa has done to date is manage to put in a few decent performances for Brazil’s Under 20s.
This is common place in a country that wheels out talented players seemingly on a daily basis. Some do go on to be the real article. Though many next big things such as Corinthians’ Lulinha and now perhaps Neymar at Santos, have struggled to reproduce the form they displayed for Brazil’s junior sides in the more demanding Brazilian league.
Manchester United seem dead keen on getting their man. But just where have they got the idea that Costa is all the things he’s cracked up to be? Grêmio have played 41 games already this season. Costa has made just 15 appearances and has failed to score a single goal. Something does not quite add up. United and their scouts are either the best potential spotters in the business or they are having the wool pulled over their eyes big time.
___
Worrying??
Are you worried that despite Wellbeck being hailed as the future England's biggest striker he has yet to perform in United's crucial games? Where you worried when Rafael played for United despite having no first team experience?
Douglas Costa is a promising talent nothing more nothing less. He is far from being the finishing product. That's why we weren't keen of spending 20m for him.
Anderson did not play that many matches for Gremio, other than that memorable goal that won them promotion, before he was snapped up by Porto. Where he spent half a season before breaking his leg, then snapped up by us for up to 17 million pounds (approx 8 mil up front, similar to alleged Costa deal).
Fergie doesnt seem to be convinced, at least not for 20M. There is a huge question mark, and 20M is certainly way too much.
BTW, how come that Lajic is so highly regarded?
BTW, how come that Lajic is so highly regarded?
Sounds like we are trying to do a deal for £7m initially with potential add-ons (probably based on appearances, trophies, international caps, goals).
Yep, and that's fine. Means that if he goes on to become a superstar and we win lots of trophies Gremio get lots of extra money. Everyone's a winner
Bottom line is that we would be taking a punt.
From Tim Vickery - Jan 09. Sorry if this has been posted before....
.
He reminds me of an 18 year old Portuguese player that we had signed a couple of years ago.
We signed the little fecker yet?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/12/manchester-united-chase-gremio-douglas-costa
Manchester United in fresh contact with Gremio over Douglas Costa• Ferguson targets 18-year-old tipped as 'new Ronaldinho'
• United offer financial package of £7m plus add-ons
Manchester United have re-established formal contact with the Brazilian club Gremio about trying to reach a compromise over a fee for Douglas Costa, the talented 18-year-old who has been hailed as "the new Ronaldinho" in his country.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, rates Costa as the brightest young talent currently playing in South America but the Premier League champions could not convince Gremio to allow him out on loan when negotiations began earlier this summer and believe the deal can happen only if the Porto Alegre club drastically lower their valuation.
Gremio have severe financial issues and are acutely aware that selling their most prized young asset could be the answer to those problems. With that in mind, they have informed prospective buyers they want £21m. United regard that as excessive for a player who has not yet played 20 senior games but they are hoping Gremio's position is negotiable and have put together a financial package, with an initial outlay of £7m, plus a series of success-related add-ons if the player lives up to the promise that has brought him to the attention of Ferguson via John Calvert-Toulmin, the club's principal scout in Brazil.
The transfer hinges on whether a compromise can be agreed and United are hoping the influential deal-maker Chris Nathaniel can help to convince Gremio that they risk getting nothing at all if they continue to play hardball. Nathaniel, whose extensive list of clients includes Rio Ferdinand and Robinho, is prominently involved with Costa and has spent the last few days in Brazil, in the process holding extensive talks with Gremio's hierarchy.
Manchester City are also aware of Costa's burgeoning reputation but they, too, regard Gremio's demands as exorbitant and would rather pay significant transfer fees for established players. United's policy is different, targeting players below the age of 25 if large sums are involved, and Costa fits into their transfer strategy as a young, talented footballer whose value should feasibly go up in future years, just as happened with Cristiano Ronaldo, who was 18 when he signed from Sporting Lisbon.
Costa, a Brazil under-20 international, has other admirers in Spain and Italy but has indicated he would like to move to England and become United's fourth signing of their summer, following Luis Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan to Old Trafford.
Carlos Alberto, Brazil's outspoken World Cup-winning captain in 1970, recently accused United of "raping Brazilian football" and urged Fifa to intervene to prevent the country's best young players from being lured away by Europe's leading clubs.
United, however, are proud of their expansive operation in South America, having plucked three Brazilian players – Rafael and Fabio da Silva plus Rodrigo Possebon – from relative obscurity in the past two years.
Costa, who joined Gremio at the age of 11 and is contracted to the club until February 2013, helped Brazil to victory in the South American Youth Championship in January and February, scoring three goals in the process, but United's interest in the player dates back more than a year before that. Gremio is the club where Ronaldinho made his breakthrough and Costa has obvious similarities in terms of his ability to run with the ball and beat opponents from his favoured role between midfield and attack, as well as being a free-kick specialist.
Any deal would be dependent on the player receiving a work permit but United have never had significant problems obtaining the necessary paperwork in the past.
Manchester United in fresh contact with Gremio over Douglas Costa• Ferguson targets 18-year-old tipped as 'new Ronaldinho'
• United offer financial package of £7m plus add-ons
Manchester United have re-established formal contact with the Brazilian club Gremio about trying to reach a compromise over a fee for Douglas Costa, the talented 18-year-old who has been hailed as "the new Ronaldinho" in his country.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, rates Costa as the brightest young talent currently playing in South America but the Premier League champions could not convince Gremio to allow him out on loan when negotiations began earlier this summer and believe the deal can happen only if the Porto Alegre club drastically lower their valuation.
Gremio have severe financial issues and are acutely aware that selling their most prized young asset could be the answer to those problems. With that in mind, they have informed prospective buyers they want £21m. United regard that as excessive for a player who has not yet played 20 senior games but they are hoping Gremio's position is negotiable and have put together a financial package, with an initial outlay of £7m, plus a series of success-related add-ons if the player lives up to the promise that has brought him to the attention of Ferguson via John Calvert-Toulmin, the club's principal scout in Brazil.
The transfer hinges on whether a compromise can be agreed and United are hoping the influential deal-maker Chris Nathaniel can help to convince Gremio that they risk getting nothing at all if they continue to play hardball. Nathaniel, whose extensive list of clients includes Rio Ferdinand and Robinho, is prominently involved with Costa and has spent the last few days in Brazil, in the process holding extensive talks with Gremio's hierarchy.
Manchester City are also aware of Costa's burgeoning reputation but they, too, regard Gremio's demands as exorbitant and would rather pay significant transfer fees for established players. United's policy is different, targeting players below the age of 25 if large sums are involved, and Costa fits into their transfer strategy as a young, talented footballer whose value should feasibly go up in future years, just as happened with Cristiano Ronaldo, who was 18 when he signed from Sporting Lisbon.
Costa, a Brazil under-20 international, has other admirers in Spain and Italy but has indicated he would like to move to England and become United's fourth signing of their summer, following Luis Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan to Old Trafford.
Carlos Alberto, Brazil's outspoken World Cup-winning captain in 1970, recently accused United of "raping Brazilian football" and urged Fifa to intervene to prevent the country's best young players from being lured away by Europe's leading clubs.
United, however, are proud of their expansive operation in South America, having plucked three Brazilian players – Rafael and Fabio da Silva plus Rodrigo Possebon – from relative obscurity in the past two years.
Costa, who joined Gremio at the age of 11 and is contracted to the club until February 2013, helped Brazil to victory in the South American Youth Championship in January and February, scoring three goals in the process, but United's interest in the player dates back more than a year before that. Gremio is the club where Ronaldinho made his breakthrough and Costa has obvious similarities in terms of his ability to run with the ball and beat opponents from his favoured role between midfield and attack, as well as being a free-kick specialist.
Any deal would be dependent on the player receiving a work permit but United have never had significant problems obtaining the necessary paperwork in the past.
Ever seen him play?
Sure, on youtube
Im just commenting on what Tim Vickery had said. That description reminded me of a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sorry but thats BS, the Anderson fee is reported at £17 mill, no source has mentioned it being a small initial out lay. Just the people on the cafe assuming things. SAF himself said that anderson was "expensive" and I highly doubt he considers £8 million up front as "expensive".
Ronaldo was still "falling over in search of a cheap free-kicks" last season.
Of course he has. He's probably best mates with his mum and all.
I wonder how long it will be till Brazilian clubs start disguising their most talented footballer in lots of different ways, making up loads of cool footballer sounding names, and selling them all for £10m a pop, sending over some numpty off the streets...
...or maybe it's started already.
...or maybe it's started already.
No, we won't send 'Douglas Costa' over for trial. We're currently working on 5 new disguises and names for him.
Has anyone seen this guy play?
And not on youtube.
And not on youtube.
It seems neither Costa or Oberton are rated in their home countries.
Seems as SAF is trying to grab players before they become established at home.
High risk strategy.
Seems as SAF is trying to grab players before they become established at home.
High risk strategy.
You can buy 'Junierto' off us, if you like. He's the new Ronaldo. We require £16m. He is not available for trial.
No fee has ever been released by United for the transfer of Anderson/ Nani, so your £17 million is as likely to be as big a bullshit as any other.
In portugal the fee was reported as a combined £30 million for the pair (nothing official)
Nani was more likely have been the more expensive of the two at the time.
I think we should trust Fergie, Its not as if he is after George Weahs cousin!
Yes.
Since he's reversed his decision over retirement, SAF has done pretty well in the players he's bought it.
I'm going on gut feeling with this and he feels right for United the same way i felt Ronaldo was.
I keep telling him this. It was also reported that we paid £18m for both (+ performance related additions)
Do you remember where you saw it Spoony and then why would SAF describe it as an "expensive" signing (that was on the club's site)?
He must declare what his dreams are.
I saw it in the Times, I think, but I did read it in a couple of places. As I've said countless times you don't know how much we paid. They were undisclosed fees.
It would appear according to SSN that this Costa move is most definitely on,Quite honestly I dont have a clue about the lad.There has been a equal amount of bad and good reports but Sir Alex I am sure had a hell of a lot more info than the rest of us.Fingers crossed
Do you ever get the feeling you know a player will go onto big things?
I get the feeling Costa's going to be the next Zico.
Can you feel it?!!
Can you feel it?!!
I can feel it in my pants.
All the players of the world should, loving each other wholeheartedly
Yes It's All Right,
Take my message to Gremio, sayin' Costa's price?
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