Phil Hay has told The Square Ball that Helder Costa is training by himself at Leeds United and that there is a chance he could have his contract terminated – weeks after the transfer window came to an end.
Costa, 29, has not played for Leeds since a Carabao Cup clash back in August 2021 against Crewe, a 3-0 win. He has since gone on loan to Valencia, where he struggled – and then to Saudi side Al-Ittihad.
He helped win the Saudi League title last term, but has returned to Leeds where he finds himself in the final year of his contract. He travelled with Leeds to Oslo to take on Manchester United, in pre-season.
But that was it. His involvement with the first team, under Daniel Farke, ended there. Costa is likely to go at some point over the course of the next term. The Angola winger has absolutely no future at Leeds.
Hay was asked on The Square Ball what is happening with Costa – and he said that a number of things could occur. He may have his deal terminated, a loan could materialise in January – or, he goes on a free.
“We’ll see what happens. The expectation was he would go. Farke said himself, Costa wanted to leave. Simply no way he can be reintegrated. He hasn’t trained in pre-season, he isn’t familiar with Farke.
“Training on his own. Expected he would go back to Saudi. Could terminate his deal, wait until January and go for six months, or he sits tight until the end of the season and goes at the end of his contract.”
Phil Hay says Helder Costa training by himself at Leeds United
It is time for Costa to go. For the good of his career. He needs a new, permanent home and wherever that may be, it will allow him to get his professional stint back on track. But it might take a bit of time.
Given he has nine months remaining on his contract at Leeds, there will have to be a mutual fee where Leeds and Costa agree to terminate the deal. Or, he sits tight, collects a pay cheque and then departs.
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