Leeds United have confirmed that Helder Costa has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad on a season-long loan. The winger, who joined Leeds from Wolves in 2019, will link-up with his former Molineux boss Nuno Espirito Santo at Al-Ittihad.
Costa's loan move will become permanent at the end of the season. The winger joined Leeds on loan in 2019 and, as part of the deal, joined the Whites permanently 12 months later on a four-year contract.
Costa made 71 appearances at Leeds, scoring eight goals and assisting 11. He played a key role in helping Leeds win the Championship title in the 2019/20 season under Marcelo Bielsa. The 28-year-old played 43 of the 46 games during that gruelling second tier campaign.
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However, while playing an active role in the title win, Costa never consistently showed the form that he did while at Wolves. His last appearance for Leeds was in a 3-0 win over Crewe in the Carabao Cup last August.
In a club statement, Leeds United said: "Leeds United winger Helder Costa has today joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad on loan until the end of the season. The Angola international spent the last campaign on loan at La Liga outfit Valencia and now links up with his former Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo. We would like to thank Helder for his attitude and professionalism over recent weeks and wish him luck during his time at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium."
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