Helder Costa exit from Leeds United almost scuppered by Spanish registration system
Helder Costa’s deadline day move from Leeds United to Valencia was almost derailed by an issue with the Spanish registration system, according to Keith Downie.
The Sky Sports journalist reported late on deadline day that the online system went down as the transfer cut-off passed at 11pm, which led to a delay in the announcement of Costa’s move to the Mestalla.
Eventually, at 12:14am on Wednesday morning, Leeds announced the 27-year-old’s loan move to Valencia with the Spanish club holding the option to make the deal permanent next year.
But it seems as though it could have been scuppered entirely by an online glitch.
“I’m being told the Spanish online registration system is temporarily down, hence why there’s a hold up in a couple of Spanish deals involving Saul Niguez to Chelsea and Helder Costa to Valencia,” said Downie, as quoted on Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre on Tuesday night [11:26pm].
“As long as they were submitted in time they should go through.”
While relaying the information from Downie on Sky Sports News, Kaveh Solhekol reacted saying: “This is incredible.”
Former West Brom and England manager Sam Allardyce also reacted, saying: “That’s a shock.”
Phew
Costa must have been sweating buckets when that happened.
The one-time Portugal international really had to leave Leeds United on deadline day after Daniel James’ arrival from Manchester United otherwise he would have really struggled for game-time at Elland Road.
As well as new addition James, Marcelo Bielsa would have also had Raphinha, Jack Harrison, Tyler Roberts, Stuart Dallas and Crysencio Summerville to choose from to play out wide.
Costa has really struggled in the Premier League since Leeds’ promotion last year and has done little to justify the £16million splashed on signing him from Wolves in 2020.
We’re gutted it hasn’t worked out for him but a move to Valencia should really be a good deal for him and for the Spanish club.
Costa’s played in La Liga before and really shout do bits in the Spanish top-flight for them.
It remains to be seen how much Valencia have agreed to pay to sign Costa permanently next year but it’s unlikely to be anywhere near the £16million Leeds splashed out on signing him last summer.
In other Leeds United news, a last-ditch central midfielder arrival was mooted on deadline day.