It was inevitable. Leeds United have been urged to make a move and sign Diego Costa after the Spanish striker was released by Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid – six months before his enormous £270,000-a-week (Sun) contract was due to expire. Now, Kevin Phillips thinks the ferocious ex-Chelsea man would be ideal for Leeds – but here is why Leeds need to avoid him.
Costa, 32, was released just months before he was due to leave Atletico after managing only seven appearances – two of which he had started. He scored two goals in that time but it appears both parties have come to an agreement to cancel his deal. Luis Suarez, Joao Felix and Angel Correa have been afforded more game time under Diego Simeone this season.
Phillips, speaking to Football Insider, thinks Leeds should take advantage. He believes that Costa and Leeds are the perfect fit, despite his numerous injury problems. Phillips claims Costa will be looking at Leeds and licking his lips given the amount of chances the Whites produce.
“They might need someone like Diego Costa, he might be looking at Leeds and thinking: ‘Look at the way they play football, I could score goals in there’,” Phillips said. “I know he’s been linked with Wolves but he’s a free agent, isn’t he, so it would not surprise me with Bielsa if he pitched up at Leeds.”
But Costa could not be further from the ideal fit, and here is why:
Bamford on fire
Patrick Bamford continues to be linked with an England call-up. The ex-Chelsea man has 10 goals in 16 Premier League matches for Leeds this season, as well as laying on three assists including a lovely little ball for Jack Harrison to score on Wednesday night during the 5-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. Leeds even have cover in Rodrigo and Tyler Robrters. Clearly, they do not need a striker.
Style of play
The main reason Leeds will not sign Costa is purely because he does not fit the club’s style of play. To wear a Leeds shirt these days, you have to have incredible stamina, massive work rate and engage in a high press. At 32 and with multiple muscle injuries this season already, do we really think Costa is ready to do that? Not a chance.
Wages would upset to family feel
If Leeds even entertained the chance of luring Costa to Elland Road, they would have to stump up enormous wages. He earned £270,000 a week at Atletico and even if Leeds halved that figure – he would still be well above the highest-paid player at Leeds. Andrea Radrizzani knows better than to blow his wage budget and make every other Leeds player jealous.
