Graham Smyth says 29-year-old still expected to secure Leeds exit, could go beyond the deadline

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Helder Costa is still expected to leave Leeds United in the near future.

That is according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, who says Costa is still likely to move on from Elland Road at some point, though it may not be today.

Costa has seen his long-term future away from Leeds for a number of months now and has already reportedly told Daniel Farke he wants to leave.

The 29-year-old has not been involved at all under Farke and has not even been handed a squad number this season, with all parties keen for a resolution.

However, interest has so far been few and far between, but it may not necessarily matter if his departure is not confirmed by tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Costa still expected to leave Leeds

Costa spent last season on loan at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, where he played a key role as they lifted the title under his former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Saudi Pro League’s transfer window runs beyond today, which means the door is still open for Costa to secure a return to that league.

There is an element of uncertainty as to when their transfer window shuts, with FIFA listing it as September 20, but the league’s website suggesting it as September 7.

Either way, it would suit all parties if Costa was able to secure a move back to that division in the coming days so he can play football again.

Any fee Leeds pick up is likely to be a small one, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024.