Leeds’ hopes of Helder Costa sale dealt blow by Bryan Gil loan

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Leeds United may be hoping that their transfer budget this summer can receive a boost with the permanent sale of Helder Costa after Valencia agreed an option as part of his loan move.

Costa left Elland Road last year after a difficult time in Marcelo Bielsa’s side. He was inconsistent in the Championship. And, after a brilliant start in the Premier League, Costa went off the boil again. The signing of Raphinha also meant that the 28-year-old struggled for game-time.

A move to Los Che appeared to be a sensible one for Leeds. As noted by BBC Sport, the two clubs agreed an option to buy. Some reports have suggested that that option is for a fee of £19.5 million.

Costa, perhaps unsurprisingly, has had a mixed time at the Mestalla. He took a little time to force his way into the fold. But he then enjoyed a solid run in the side. And he has now started 10 times in La Liga.

However, since Valencia were beaten 4-1 by Real Madrid, Costa has fallen down the pecking order. He has been an unused substitute for their last two league games.

Certainly, if his asking price is just under £20 million, the signs are already ominous. And perhaps Leeds’ hopes of offloading Costa permanently have been dealt a further blow following a piece of business from one Premier League rival on deadline day.

Tottenham loaned Bryan Gil to Valencia on the final day of the window. It comes with the 20-year-old struggling to force his way into the side in North London.

Gil arrival at Valencia could hurt Leeds hopes of selling Helder Costa permanently

The promise Gil showed with Sevilla prompted Tottenham to sign him in the summer. So he will hope that his time with Valencia sends a message to his parent club.

Unfortunately for Costa, Gil’s arrival surely knocks him even further down the pecking order. And given that he has been an unused substitute for the last two games, that is concerning.

Costa is surely going to have to do a lot more to earn a permanent move to Valencia. But right now, his focus can only be on the uphill battle that is regaining a place in the side.

Valencia now signing Gil has only made the challenge much greater.