Helder Costa and Joel Robles join same club on free transfers after leaving Leeds United in 2023

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A little over a year ago, both Helder Costa and Joel Robles were on the books at Leeds United but fast forward until now and both players have joined the same club this week.

Once a £16m signing from Wolves after an initial loan during 2019-20, Costa joined Leeds permanently following promotion to the Premier League. But he struggled to make an impact in the top tier at Leeds.

Loans to Valencia and then Al-Ittihad followed, winning the Saudi Pro League under Nuno Espirito Santo during 2022-23. Returning to Leeds last summer, he travelled with the squad to Oslo to face Man United.

But eventually and after the transfer window, he was released by Leeds with the two parties coming to an agreement. The Angola star has stayed a free agent but only until now, with Costa returning to Portugal.

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Joel Robles joins new club and Costa follows him a day later

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Robles signed for Leeds in the summer of 2022 to provide cover for Illan Meslier. The Spaniard had been at Real Betis beforehand, where Marc Roca and Diego Llorente are now.

He only played four times in the Premier League, all coming under Sam Allardyce in what was the final four games of the season. Following relegation, Robles chose to leave Leeds at the end of his contract.

He joined second-tier Saudi side Al-Qadsiah, and helped them win the League title and gain promotion. But following promotion, Al-Qadsiah have signed Belgium international Koen Casteels from Wolfsburg.

Robles and Costa find a new home in Portugal’s top tier

Robles left Al-Qadsiah on a free transfer this week in order to secure a move to top-tier Portuguese side Estoril Praia, who finished in 13th place in Liga NOS last season. Comfortably above the relegation zone.

Then, a day later, Estoril announced the signing of the estranged Costa. It ends the former Monaco star’s search for a new club, almost a year after being released from his Leeds contract back in October 2023.

Estoril confirmed the signing of Robles on their official website and then a day later on Thursday, reported the signing of Costa. It sees them join a side that also includes former Man City player Eliaquim Mangala.