PAOK Thessaloniki nears loan agreement for Krasnodar defender Diego Costa

Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki has reached an agreement with Russian side FC Krasnodar for the loan of 27-year-old Brazilian central defender Diego Costa. The deal, which will see the player in Thessaloniki until the end of the current season, includes a purchase option valued at eight million euros. All major negotiations between the two clubs have been finalized.

Diego Costa played his final match for Krasnodar on September 1, 2026, in a Russian Cup fixture against Fakel Voronezh, which ended in a penalty shootout. Although Costa missed his spot-kick, his participation in the game satisfied the final condition set by the Russian club for the loan to proceed. Former PAOK player Magomed Ozdoev secured the victory for Krasnodar in the same match.

The defender is now expected to travel to Thessaloniki in the coming days. Upon his arrival, he will undergo mandatory medical and ergometric examinations. Should the test results be positive, Costa will officially sign his contract and join the squad at the Toumba Stadium, marking the conclusion of the transfer process.