Why Leeds United should sign Helder Costa permanently

As per Football Insider (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United are set to sign winger Helder Costa permanently. He is currently on loan from Wolves.

Costa, 26, came through the ranks of Benfica’s youth system but never made the cut into the Portuguese outfit’s senior set-up. He was sent on several loan spells. He made a move to Wolves, initially on loan, and racked up 10 goals and 8 assists in his first season at the Molineux Stadium.

He continued with the fine form this season, helping the Black Country club get promoted to the top-flight. However, he was sent on loan to Leeds United last summer and has once again proved his worth this season for the Whites.

Marcelo Bielsa has done a stellar job in taking his side atop the Championship table as Leeds are one point ahead of fellow-promotion chasers West Brom. They have been brilliant in both the attacking and defensive departments throughout the campaign.

The Whites have scored 56 goals so far and have conceded 30 times, boasting of the best defensive record in the Championship. However, the manager should focus on strengthening the squad if they are to do well next season as well.

Leeds surviving on loan players

One of the major concerns for Leeds is that 3 out of their 6 forwards are on loan. Along with Costa, Jack Harrison and Jean-Kevin Augustin are the other members who have their contracts coming to an end in the summer.

While Costa and Harrison have been brilliant so far, the French centre-forward has not lived up to the expectations. Thus, apart from signing a striker to add competition for Patrick Bamford, Bielsa should also be able to convince the wide men to make a permanent switch at the end of the campaign.

In that regard, signing Costa permanently would be a massive boost to the squad. The 26-year-old has been impressive in the last four years. This season, he has already racked up 4 goals and 5 assists in 40 games across all competitions and is one of the best players for the Whites.

Apart from the Portuguese international, Leeds have only Ivan Poveda on the right-wing and the youngster is yet to feature in the Championship this season. Thus, keeping hold of Costa would help them if they are promoted to the top-flight next season.

Verdict

Leeds have limited options up front and if the loanees leave after their contract comes to an end, it would be hard for the club to rope in effective players. Thus, they should do everything possible to sign Costa on a permanent basis.