Could two deals hint at exciting plans for Leeds target Helder Costa?

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United are reportedly set to sign Helder Costa on loan this summer as Marcelo Bielsa looks for his fourth first-team signing in this window.

After a low-key start to the summer, Leeds kicked their transfer window into life at the start of the month as Jack Harrison and Ben White completed loan moves to Elland Road, while Jack Clarke also secured a temporary return after landing a Premier League switch.

The next player who looks set to join Marcelo Bielsa’s squad is Helder Costa, with the Express and Star reporting that the £13 million winger has said his goodbyes to his Wolves teammates and is set to join on loan with an option to make a permanent move to the Whites.

Costa could be the most exciting addition so far should his move get across the line. His form during his first year at Molineux was outstanding, and he made a number of appearances for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men following their promotion to the top flight.

The Portuguese is also an intriguing target. With Harrison and Clarke returning, Leeds’ wide options have already been bolstered, and it may not be a huge surprise if both of their parent clubs have been handed assurances about the game-time they are going to receive.

So could their moves hint at Bielsa having an exciting plan for the 25-year-old expected to follow the pair through the Elland Road door?

Costa started eight Premier League games in a central attacking midfield role last season (via Whoscored), so perhaps Bielsa sees the Wolves man as an option to help solve the number 10 conundrum that proved problematic at times last season.

Tyler Roberts showed a lot of potential in that position last term, and Pablo Hernandez was sensational throughout the campaign. But the Spaniard was arguably at his best when cutting in from the right flank, and it is easy to forget that Roberts is only 20 and still developing.

Costa has a proven track record in the second tier, scoring 15 goals and contributing 14 assists across his two seasons in the Championship. He is still very much a player that Bielsa can deploy out wide.

But perhaps it should not be a huge surprise, following the signings of both Harrison and Clarke, if Costa is seen as an option that could make a devastating impact through the middle behind the striker.