Atletico Madrid keep Diego Costa interest alive as Tianjin Quanjian gets cagey
By George Perry
Atletico Madrid asked Diego Costa’s representatives to keep them in the loop about his intentions as the summer transfer window approaches. His presumed destination, Tianjian Quanjian, meanwhile is clamming up about their willingness to buy.
Ever since his training ground row with Antonio Conte and subsequent plummet in form, Diego Costa’s transfer to China seemed a done deal. Tianjin Quanjian’s £75 million transfer offer and £25 million wage packet took the blame for Costa’s attitude going into a tailspin. The final five months of the season looked to be his final spell in Blue.
The Chinese Super League side may be getting cold feet over the deal. Even though no European club could come close to matching their offer, Tianjin are apparently reconsidering the whole endeavor.
"For the past six months, our club have not involved in any form of communication and negotiation with Diego Costa nor his representatives… We won’t take part in any unhealthy competition, thus preventing all overpriced signings. – Evening Standard"
Without Tianjin Quanjian or another CSL side in the mix, Costa’s transfer fee will decrease dramatically to European levels. Depending on who makes the offer, the fee may drop even more as Costa accepts a bit less to return home to Atletico Madrid.
The Telegraph reports that Atletico Madrid asked the Costa camp to keep them abreast of his thoughts and the progress of negotiations. Diego Simeone’s decision to stay at Atletico next season increases the attraction for both parties. Simeone’s and Costa’s personal relationship fueled much of the speculation. The combination of playing for Simeone at Atletico is the scenario for which Costa has pined during many damp, sunless days in west London.
If Tianjin Quanjian come forth with an offer, even if it is less than their previous gambit, it will still be well more than Atletico Madrid could pay. Costa would need to decide between two very stark alternatives: become one of the world’s richest players in China, or be very comfortable in his preferred club, city and country.
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Costa’s unhappiness with the living conditions in England – culture, weather and the rest – played a large role in his earlier wishes and efforts to leave. Tianjin’s money may not be enough to pry him away from an environment and a manager he values so highly.