Helder Costa is still expected to move on from Leeds United despite the English transfer window closing last week
Daniel Farke has already made it clear that Helder Costa is not part of his Leeds United plans. Speaking while the English transfer window was still open last month, Farke revealed that Costa is looking to secure a move away from Elland Road after informing the German that he sees his future elsewhere.
As such, Costa, who is currently away on international duty with Angola, has not been considered for Championship selection this season, despite Leeds lacking the depth needed to fill a bench on a couple of occasions. Where he might end up is hard to say at this point, though, especially given the transfer window closed last week for most major European leagues
However, the former Wolves man still has the potential to leave this summer with a number of leagues still open for business across the footballing world. Arguably the most notable competition doing business right now is the Saudi Arabian Pro League, which has managed to lure some of the biggest names in world football to the Middle East this summer.
Karim Benzema, Neymar, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante have all joined Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and given Costa spent last season on loan from Leeds at Al-Ittihad, it seems a return to the competition could be seen as a possibility. Saudi clubs can sign players up until 10pm (UK time) tonight, meaning an approach for the winger would have to be made today.
Turkish Super Lig clubs have until September 15 to complete their business and they’ve been actively shopping in the English market with a host of players making their way from the Premier League to Turkey lately. The Greek Super League is also leaving it late this summer with its window closing on September 11.
A move to either Greece or Turkey would certainly allow Costa to continue playing at a high level, while the window is still open in the likes of Australia, Mexico, Russia and Cyprus. Interestingly, the transfer window in Qatar doesn’t shut until September 18.
Leeds have already sold Rodrigo to the Qatar Stars League with the Spain international joining Al-Rayyan, managed to by Leonardo Jardim, who took Costa on loan from Benfica during his spell in charge at Monaco. Whatever happens over the next few days, it’s been made abundantly clear that Costa doesn’t have a future at Leeds and a permanent deal, bringing his four-year Elland Road association to an end, looks to suit all parties.
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