Leeds Live claim that Helder Costa is due to return to Leeds United training today after representing Angola after the end of the season – with the winger more than likely to leave the club, lasting playing for Leeds in August 2021.
Costa, 29, joined Leeds on loan in the summer of 2019 from Wolves. A deal that would turn permanent if the club gained promotion to the Premier League that season, which of course, we did. A key part of the 20-21 season.
Clocking up 71 games for Leeds, he had a hand in 19 goals – scoring eight times, laying on 11. But in the summer of 2021, he was loaned to Valencia after falling down the pecking order. He failed to score a goal, laying on two assists.
Then, a move to Nuno Espirito Santo’s Al-Ittihad for 22-23. Just 20 outings, three goals and an assist. With a year left on his deal, he is now due to return to pre-season training on Monday – with his future requiring a decision.
Costa due to return to Leeds training today after representing Angola
A return to the Championship does increase the potential need for the ex-Wolves man. Interest in Jack Harrison, Willy Gnonto, Cree Summerville and Luis Sinisterra, may increase that further. But Costa surely has no Leeds future.
To have failed to play for Leeds for two years, his last outing coming in a Carabao Cup clash in August 2021, it is near impossible to think that Costa could reignite his Leeds career. But that will be down to new boss Daniel Farke.
But as things stand and even despite his return to Leeds training on Monday, you would expect Costa to be on his way again. It might be that similarly to Robin Koch, he is sent on loan this season, before leaving on a free in 2024.
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