Why Leeds signing Helder Costa permanently would be a wise decision

According to The Athletic (h/t The Express), Leeds United are planning to sign Helder Costa permanently after his loan spell ends. The report suggests that the Whites are ready to spend £45m in the summer if they get promoted to the Premier League and Costa would cost them £15m.

Helder Costa, 26, came through the youth ranks of Benfica in Portugal and featured in just one game for the club’s senior team. He was sent on loan to Monaco after signing for Wolves in 2017. In 109 games for the Midlands club, he has racked up 19 goals and assists each.

The Portuguese moved to Elland Road on loan last summer and has been a regular member under Marcelo Bielsa. After initially coming in as a substitute for Pablo Hernandez, Costa has now established himself as the first-choice right-winger ahead of the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, Leeds started off brilliantly but lost their track in the last few weeks. The loss to Wigan and Nottingham Forest and a draw against Brentford earlier this month has put them four points behind league leaders West Brom.

However, they have won their last three league games and are still very much in the contention for automatic qualification to the top-flight. They would be hoping to do better as they have an opportunity to return to the Premier League after 16 years.

And if they are promoted, the manager needs to make several changes to the squad and bring in reinforcements to do a decent job next season. The attacking unit has done well so far with the likes of Patrick Bramford, Jack Harrison and Costa. They have contributed immensely to the team’s success so far.

Bielsa has three right-wingers at his disposal in Costa, Harrison and Fernandez. Fernandez is already 34 and there would be nothing much left for him to offer in the future. On the other hand, Harrison is on loan from Manchester City. Therefore, the manager should make a move and strengthen his squad.

In that case, signing Helder Costa on a permanent basis would be a good decision by the club. He has shown his potential throughout the season and should be made a permanent member at the earliest.

The 26-year-old has played regularly for Wolves in the last three campaigns and has also helped Leeds this term by featuring all of the 34 league games. In the process, he has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists.

He has become an integral member of the team and has formed a good partnership with Bramford. And this partnership could be helpful for the Whites if they are to perform well in the top-flight.

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Verdict

The Portuguese international has been outstanding this season and with limited options on either wing, Leeds must make sure to keep hold of the key players. Costa’s versatility would be a huge boost for the team.

Therefore, signing the former Benfica man permanently would be a good move by the club.