Costa has let Leeds down after source delivers major update – Pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed “talented” Helder Costa flattered to deceive at Leeds United after joining Valencia on loan.
The former Rangers defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Portugal international “never hit the high that was expected” at Elland Road.
A Leeds source has told Football Insider senior figures expect Costa to have played his last game for the club.
The ex-Wolves man completed a loan move to the Spanish giants in the early hours of this morning.
They have the option to purchase Costa, 27, outright, although there is no obligation.
Leeds completed the capture of Dan James from Manchester United yesterday (31st August).
Hutton suggested Costa‘s move is a mutually beneficial one and tipped James as a replacement for the winger.
“He’s obviously a very talented player, but he never really hit that high that was expected,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“Everyone was waiting for him to burst into life, having seen glimpses and flashes of what he was capable of.
“We were always expecting him to go to the next level but it never really happened.
“He would’ve been on the fringes at Leeds this season, a bit-part player. So to get the chance to go to Valencia, which by the way is a massive club, is a good move for him.
“With Dan James coming in he would’ve just fallen down the pecking order even further.
“It’s a good time for him to move on.”
Costa made just 14 appearances for Leeds last term.
The winger joined the Whites on an initial loan from Wolves in 2019.
An obligation-to-buy clause saw the deal become permanent for around £15million.
In other news, Paddy Kenny has predicted Leeds could sell this 29-year-old in January.