Wolves announce signing of Diego Costa and former Chelsea striker could play Premier League champions Man City in first game

Diego Costa is back in the Premier League, with Wolves confirming they have completed the signing of the striker.

And the former Chelsea star could be set to face Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday if fixtures are given the green light.

Costa was a free agent after leaving Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro in January, and has now joined Wolverhampton as emergency cover for injured frontman Sasa Kalajdzic, signing until the end of the season.

Austrian ace Kalajdzic, a £15million summer signing from Stuttgart, only just joined the club, but suffered a serious knee injury in Wolves in the 1-0 victory over Southampton.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi told the club’s official website: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Diego Costa to Wolves, and back to the Premier League.

“A serial winner with a wealth of experience at the highest level, Diego will bring something unique to our dressing room and on the pitch, and we look forward to his impact at Molineux and Compton this season.”

Bruno Lage’s side were quickly linked with a move for Costa, as well as Andy Carroll, only for work permit issues to delay the move.

Costa’s lack of action since leaving Brazil in January meant he did not automatically qualify for a work permit to play in the English top flight.

His request for a work permit was initially rejected, but one was eventually granted after a Wolves appeal which allowed for the deal to go ahead.

There is still doubt as to which Premier League fixtures will go ahead given the period of national mourning over the Queen’s passing, with Wolves’ recent game against Liverpool postponed, with champions City up next at 12:30pm.

The 33-year-old returns to the Premier League with a proven record, having scored 58 goals in 120 games for Chelsea between 2014 and 2017, winning the Premier League twice, but there will be doubts over his ability after so many years away from top competition.

His former potency is much needed by Wolves, though, who sit 14th in the table and have scored just three goals in six league games this season – although they have the best defence in the division having only conceded four.