According to Super Deporte, Leeds have now placed a €23m (£20m) price tag on Helder Costa, which could be met by Valencia.
What’s the story?
Well, after appearing against Manchester United on the opening day of the Premier League season, Costa left Leeds for a season-long loan at Valencia.
After a slow start, the 2-cap Angola international has started to impress at the Mestalla, even though he’s yet to register a goal involvement.
Super Deporte describe Costa as someone who has brought a ‘good feeling’ to Valencia since he broke into the starting XI.
They add that the 27-year-old is just lacking the numbers in front of goal.
Away from La Liga, Costa earned his first two caps for Angola this season, making a fantastic first impression on Pedro Gonçalves in the process.
The Angola boss told Marca: “Helder Costa, respecting everyone, can be like our Cristiano (Ronaldo); he’s our star. I’m delighted with his behaviour and attitude.”
By the sounds of it, everything is going well for Costa apart from the lack of goal involvements, which will surely come soon if he keeps trying hard.
Leeds may be stuck with Helder Costa
Super Deporte believe Valencia will have to dig deep inside their pockets to find the money needed in order to sign Costa and their other loanees.
Despite a number of eye-catching displays, we feel it’s unlikely Costa will force cash-strapped Valencia into parting with £20m this summer.
It also feels unlikely that any other side across Europe would pay that, so Marcelo Bielsa could well be stuck with his £16m signing from Wolves.
In truth, that might not actually be the worst thing, as Leeds are currently in the midst of an injury crisis and need more bodies at Thorp Arch.
Dan James is the latest to be hit by injury, so who knows? Perhaps Costa could enjoy a resurgence at Elland Road next term, if nobody meets the £20m asking price, that is.
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