Phil Hay ‘not sold’ on Helder Costa, hints at summer exit
Phil Hay has said he’s “not sold” on Helder Costa after the winger signed on a permanent deal with Leeds United for £15m last summer.
He said that when you compare him with Raphinha, brought in for similar money in the same window, the two operate at a “completely different level”.
He said he would “watch with interest” what happens to Costa in the summer, with Leeds looking to strengthen the squad again.
Talking on the latest episode of the Phil Hay Show, host Dan Moylan said he was “unconvinced” by Costa.
Hay replied saying, “I’m in the same position and I think I have been since he signed.
“It’s not that he hasn’t had good games and he has had periods when he’s been a positive influence but never compared to someone like Raphinha.
“Considering they were in the same ballpark in terms of transfer fees, you’re seeing a completely different level of output.
“I’m not sold and I’ll watch with interest what happens in the summer.”
Costa out, striker in?
Leeds brought Raphinha in late on in the summer window and he’s blown fans away with how he’s settled in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Costa and Harrison have been as frustratingly inconsistent as they were the previous season when both were on loan.
Both players can turn it on but Raphinha looks to be operating on a completely different level.
Costa signed on a permanent deal in the summer and Leeds have an option for around £11m to make Harrison’s deal permanent this summer.
Out of the two, we think that Harrison is the player with the most potential although he has to deliver at the top end of his range much more regularly.
With Ian Poveda behind them and Crysencio Summerville turning heads for the Under-23s, Costa might be one winger too many, although we can’t see Leeds recouping their £15m.
We do think Leeds could get £10m for him, though, and use the money to bring in someone better.
We’d much prefer a back-up striker on the bench than Costa.
In other Leeds United news, Chris Kamara shares class email he received from Marcelo Bielsa – Leeds fans will love this