Winger Helder Costa has left Leeds United by mutual consent, the club have confirmed today.
Despite being part of the Whites squad which secured promotion from the Championship in the 2019-20 season, Costa has found himself out of favour in West Yorkshire for some time, with the Angola international being firmly out of current manager Daniel Farke’s plans.
Costa initially joined Leeds on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, a deal which was made permanent in the summer of 2020.
The 29-year-old made 71 appearances across all competitions during his time at Elland Road, scoring eight times.
Costa’s departure has – admittedly – been just a matter of time given his failure to even put himself in contention for a space in the Leeds XI, with the Portuguese winger spending the last two seasons away from LS11 on loan at Valencia and Al Ittihad respectively.
A club statement confirming the decision read:
“Leeds United can confirm Helder Costa has left the club by mutual consent.
“The Angola international departs Leeds having made 71 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals.
“Initially joining the club on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, before the deal was made permanent, Costa played a key role for the Whites during the 2019/20 campaign as Leeds were crowned Sky Bet Championship winners.
“Over the past two seasons, Costa has spent time away from Elland Road, with Valencia and Al Ittihad.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to Helder, he will always be a champion and welcome back at Elland Road.”
