PSV delight at Da Costa deal
Friday, July 7, 2006
Article summary
PSV Eindhoven have added to their defensive options with the capture of Portuguese prodigy Manuel da Costa from French Ligue 1 outfit AS Nancy-Lorraine.
Article body
PSV Eindhoven have added to their defensive options with the capture of Portuguese prodigy Manuel da Costa from French side AS Nancy-Lorraine.
High hopes
The 20-year-old centre-back has agreed a five-year contract with the Dutch champions and becomes new coach Ronald Koeman's second summer signing after goalkeeper Oscar Moens. Da Costa has been given the No14 shirt and a trip to the club's training base has whetted his appetite for next season. "It will be a beautiful base to grow and develop with PSV. The atmosphere is relaxed and I obviously know PSV from their excellent performances in the Champions League."
'Very talented'
As well as his ten appearances in Ligue 1 last term - with his debut coming in January - Da Costa scored a memorable individual goal to help Nancy defeat Le Mans UC 72 in the French League Cup semi-finals. Nancy went on to lift the trophy and qualify for the 2006/07 UEFA Cup. He also caught the eye representing Portugal at the Toulon Under-20 tournament in May 2006, having resisted calls to play for France where he was born. Koeman said: "He is a very talented defender. I am happy we have been able to sign him."
