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Phil Hay has told his podcast on The Athletic that Leeds United duo Helder Costa and Tyler Roberts could be ‘vulnerable’ in the summer transfer window in terms of leaving the club – especially with Roberts set to enter the last year of his contract.
Leeds have enjoyed an excellent first season in the Premier League since returning to the top flight for the first time in 16 years. They currently sit in tenth place, following Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Southampton at Elland Road.
Roberts, 22, started the match – just his fourth Premier League start of the season and laid on an assist for Patrick Bamford’s 13th goal of the season. Portugal international Costa came on at half-time, and set up Stuart Dallas’ left-footed effort.
He also won the free-kick that Raphinha scored from – but Hay believes that both could be in danger of being sold in the summer. Roberts, a £4million (Mail) signing, will have just one year on his contract in the summer.
“With Roberts and Helder Costa, you’re talking about two players that are potentially going to be vulnerable in the summer – when Leeds start to redraw the squad again. I certainly expect them to go into the market,” Hay said.
“Roberts has a year left. He needs to start playing well consistently. Bielsa’s comments before the game that Roberts needs to prove he is Premier League standard – and that he merits a place in the team not just because others are injured.
TBR’s view – What do Roberts and Costa need to do to save face?
Roberts is young, a Wales international and cost Leeds a bargain fee of just £4million. Given he is still learning, it is a no-brainer for Leeds to hand him a new contract. His recent form is deserving of that in itself.
Costa is slightly different. The ex-Wolves man was bought for £16million (TalkSPORT) and while his performance against Southampton was excellent – if the Whites can bring in anything above £12million for him, you would expect to see him go.
That is given he is 27 now, and if he has another in-and-out season like this one, his value is only going to increase. But if the duo continue to churn out displays as they did against Arsenal and Southampton, then they are likely to be kept.
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