Gabriel Costa, the 35-year-old midfielder, is on the verge of joining Universidad San Martín of the Peruvian Liga 2, according to multiple reports. The move comes after a recent stint with Universitario, where he struggled to secure a consistent starting role.
Costa’s career has been extensive, spanning several clubs in Uruguay and Peru, as well as a four-year period with Chilean side Colo-Colo. He began his youth career with River Plate Montevideo, making his senior debut with the club in 2010. A loan spell to Rocha FC in 2011 saw him score two goals in 19 appearances. He then moved to Bella Vista in 2012 before finding success with Rentistas the following year.
It was in Peru that Costa truly established himself as a prominent player. He initially joined Alianza Lima in 2014, where he made 60 appearances and scored 21 goals across two seasons. A subsequent loan spell with Sporting Cristal in 2016 yielded 17 appearances and 3 goals. He then returned to Sporting Cristal for a further two seasons (2017-2018), adding 73 appearances and 28 goals to his tally.
His move to Colo-Colo in 2019 marked a new chapter, where he played for four seasons, featuring in 98 matches and scoring 27 goals. A return to Alianza Lima followed in 2023, with 35 appearances and 6 goals. Most recently, he spent time with Universitario, contributing 1 goal and 4 assists in his time with the club. As of March 23, 2024, his club appearances and goals were recorded as such.
The transfer to Universidad San Martín represents a significant shift for Costa, as he moves to a team aiming for promotion to the Liga 1. The club won the Peruvian championship in 2007 and 2008 and will be looking to Costa to provide leadership and experience as they pursue a return to the top flight. Negotiations are reportedly advanced, with Costa expected to sign a contract and be officially announced as a Universidad San Martín player soon.
Costa’s international career also sees him representing Peru, having earned 12 caps since 2019. Born in Uruguay, he chose to represent Peru internationally, adding another layer to his diverse footballing journey.
While Costa’s time at Universitario didn’t yield the desired results – he struggled to become a regular starter – his overall record in Peruvian football speaks for itself. His previous successes with Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal demonstrate his ability to impact games and contribute to winning teams. His move to Universidad San Martín is seen as a coup for the Liga 2 club, bringing in a player with a proven track record and a wealth of experience.
The decision to join Universidad San Martín appears to be driven by a desire for regular playing time and a chance to lead a team with ambitious goals. After a period where he didn’t fully establish himself at Universitario, Costa will be eager to prove his worth and help the club achieve promotion. The journalist Enrique Vega confirmed the verbal agreement between the player and the club.
Despite interest from other teams, Costa was reportedly drawn to the project at Universidad San Martín. The club’s management is committed to building a strong squad capable of challenging for promotion, and Costa is seen as a key piece of that puzzle. His arrival is expected to boost the team’s morale and provide a significant lift in quality.
As of February 4, 2026, Costa is without a club, according to Transfermarkt, making his impending move to Universidad San Martín a timely one. The Liga 2 season is set to begin soon, and Costa will be looking to make an immediate impact for his new team. His experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial as Universidad San Martín aims to climb the league table and secure a spot in the promotion playoffs.
The move also marks a return to a more prominent role for Costa, after a period where he was largely a substitute player. At Universidad San Martín, he is expected to be a key figure in the team’s attack, providing creativity and goals from midfield. This opportunity will allow him to showcase his talents and remind fans of his capabilities.
