Douglas Costa Joins Mario Balotelli at Al Ittifaq After Chievo Stint

FolioPitch.com – 04 July 2026 | In a surprising turn of events that has captured the attention of football fans worldwide, the move that was always anticipated has finally materialized. Official Ex-Juventus star Douglas Costa leaves Chievo for Al Ittifaq with Balotelli, reuniting the Brazilian with his close friend and former teammate Mario Balotelli at the Saudi Arabian club. The transfer, confirmed on Tuesday, ends Costa’s brief but memorable spell at Serie D side Chievo Verona, where he had been biding his time before the move to the Middle East.

Costa, 33, had taken an unexpected career path when he joined Chievo earlier this year. After leaving LA Galaxy and being without a club since January 2026, the winger signed with the fallen Italian giants, who were rebuilding from Serie D after bankruptcy. His decision to drop down to the fourth tier raised eyebrows, but it was always viewed as a temporary arrangement. The plan, orchestrated by Italian entrepreneur Pietro Laterza — who owns both Chievo and Al Ittifaq — was to park Costa at Chievo until international transfer windows opened in Dubai. Now, with the slots available, Official Ex-Juventus star Douglas Costa leaves Chievo for Al Ittifaq with Balotelli, marking a new chapter in his storied career.

During his time at Chievo, Costa made 11 appearances and contributed one assist, showing glimpses of the flair that made him a fan favorite at Bayern Munich and Juventus. Despite the modest setting, he maintained professionalism and even helped attract other players to the club. His bond with Balotelli was instrumental in facilitating the original Chievo deal, as Balotelli acted as a go-between with director Andrea Fulco. Now the two will join forces at Al Ittifaq, a club that has been active in the Saudi Pro League’s recent spending spree.

The reunion is not just about friendship; it also has a family dimension. Sky Sport Italia reports that Al Ittifaq is also targeting Enock Barwuah, Balotelli’s brother, who currently plays for Serie D side Desenzano. If completed, the trio would add a unique narrative to the Saudi club’s roster. For Costa, this move provides an opportunity to play in a competitive league alongside a familiar face, while Balotelli gets a dynamic winger to supply chances. Official Ex-Juventus star Douglas Costa leaves Chievo for Al Ittifaq with Balotelli, and the expectation is that both players will thrive in a less pressured environment compared to European top flights.

Costa’s career has been defined by highs and lows. After emerging at Gremio, he moved to Bayern Munich, where he won multiple Bundesliga titles and gained a reputation for his blistering pace and trickery. A €40 million transfer to Juventus followed, but injuries and inconsistency prevented him from reaching his full potential in Turin. Subsequent loans and a stint in MLS with LA Galaxy failed to revive his form, leading to his free agent status earlier this year. Yet, at Al Ittifaq, he will have a fresh start under less scrutiny.

The move also highlights the growing trend of former European stars moving to Saudi Arabia. Balotelli himself joined Al Ittifaq in 2024 after stints in Italy, England, France, and Turkey. Now, with Douglas Costa and potentially Balotelli’s brother, the club is building a competitive squad. For Chievo, losing Costa is a blow after just a few months, but the financial arrangements and the broader business plan of owner Laterza mean the club will likely reinvest.

In conclusion, this transfer underscores the interconnected nature of modern football, where personal relationships and ownership structures can shape careers. Official Ex-Juventus star Douglas Costa leaves Chievo for Al Ittifaq with Balotelli, and fans will be watching closely to see if the duo can recreate the magic they once showed in Italy. For now, the Brazilian winger embarks on the next adventure in his journey, hoping to find consistency and enjoyment in the desert.