Helder Costa looks set to return to Leeds United this summer following his loan spell with Spanish outfit Valencia. The winger spent the entirety of last season on loan with the La Liga club after falling down the pecking order at Elland Road, making 22 league appearances.
Costa was able to secure a starting spot over the first half of the season, but as he season progressed he had more of a bit-part role to play, starting just three of the club’s final 18 league games. As such, Valencia have chosen not to activate their option to take the 28-year-old on a permanent basis and it means his future remains uncertain as he prepares to return to Thorp Arch.
He still has two seasons left to run on his contract with the club and but it seems a decision must be made on his future, on way or the other, this summer. Here’s a look at the Angola international’s options.
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Stay with Leeds
Costa left Elland Road last season after dropping down the pecking order. He was in and out of the side during Leeds’ first year in the Premier League and last summer’s addition of Dan James meant he would find regular game time hard to come by during the 2021-22 campaign.
As such, he was allowed to leave the club last summer by Marcelo Bielsa after being deemed surplus to requirements. However, Jesse Marsch is in charge now and it’s not unreasonable to expect the American to want to take a look at Costa and make his own mind up.
Marsch has options on the wing, with Crysencio Summerville undoubtedly targeting a regular spot in the side, too, but Costa could have a role to play if the head coach likes what he sees. His agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly exploring options away from Leeds, though, and that could be best for all parties should he fail to impress over pre-season.
A move
Costa is expected to return for pre-season training with Leeds, but if he struggled to find traction under Marsch, a permanent switch and a fresh start may well be his best option. At 28, the last thing he needs is a season warming the bench at Elland Road and in that scenario surely both the club and the player would prefer to cut ties altogether with a permanent switch this summer, if it is an option that is.
It would allow Costa to settle and find continuity at a new home, while Leeds would pick up a fee for a man they signed for a reported price of £15million just two years ago. A try before you buy type loan wouldn’t be ideal in this scenario, but it depends what options are out there.
He’s returning to Leeds with something of a point to prove and with his future up in the air, eyes will be on how he progresses.
