Leeds transfer news: Helder Costa 'doesn't figure' in Marcelo Bielsa's plans

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has urged Leeds to “cut their losses” with Helder Costa, who he believes doesn’t feature in Marcelo Bielsa’s plans.

The attacker signed permanently from Wolves in 2020 for £16m following a successful loan spell but is currently out on loan at Valencia having moved on transfer deadline day last summer.

Having showed some outstanding form in the Championship for Wolves, notably when he scored 10 goals and laid on eight assists in 2016-2017, much was expected of Costa when he made the switch to Leeds.

But he simply hasn’t cut the mustard since he arrived at the club. In 71 appearances, the winger has scored just eight goals and created another 11.

The majority of those came in the Championship, though, with Costa unable to perform consistently at Premier League level, especially when he’s been competing against the likes of Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Dan James.

Therefore, having played just 21 minutes of top-flight football in Leeds’ opening three league fixtures this season, Costa was allowed to leave on loan, signing for Valencia on deadline day, which came after James had signed from Manchester United.

Costa is expected to return to South Yorkshire when his loan deal expires at the end of the campaign.

But O’Rourke has encouraged Leeds to move the 28-year-old on at the end of the season, although a permanent switch to the Spanish outfit would appear unlikely, with Costa failing to score in 20 games up to now.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Leeds need to cut their losses, see what money they can get in for him and use that to maybe strengthen the squad elsewhere, because Helder Costa doesn’t figure in the plans of Bielsa going forward, so it makes sense for all parties to move on.”

Gary Neville