One hurdle emerges as Leeds consider signing of free-agent Juventus man this summer

Alex Sandro, Paulo Dybala, Adrien Rabiot, Douglas Costa, Juventus

Leeds are reported to be warming to the idea of signing Douglas Costa this summer, amid claims Juventus could allow him to leave on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old winger is currently on loan at Bayern Munich from Juventus, but has struggled to get game time. He has only played 11 of 25 Bundesliga games, never featuring for more than 68 minutes.

Costa is currently sidelined with a hairline fracture of his foot. And he seems likely to return to Turin this summer when he will have just 12 months remaining on his contract.

Previous reports stated the 31-times capped Brazil star would be available for €11m this summer.

And with the player said to have a big admirer in Marcelo Bielsa, a move to Elland Road appears a possibility this summer.

Now, Calciomercato have further increased Leeds’ hopes of striking a deal. That’s after the Italian outlet claimed Juventus are willing to let Costa leave on a free agent 12 months before his deal expires.

They claim the cash-strapped Serie A giants want to rid themselves of Costa’s huge wages. With the club looking to refresh their side this summer, Costa is one such star they see as disposable. As such, it’s claimed a mutual termination of his deal could be agreed.

Fans pay tribute to legend Lorimer

Fans pay tribute to legend Lorimer

Leeds United fans have been paying tribute to the club's all-time leading goalscorer Peter Lorimer, who has died at the age of 74.

However, his current wage of £160,000 a week would prove troublesome for Leeds. While he’d have to take a giant paycut anyway to join Leeds, even halving his salary would still comfortably leave him the top earner at Elland Road.

Indeed, it would take a significant decrease in pay for a deal of this magnitude to come off for Leeds.


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Costa to replace Costa

It’s reported that Leeds could fund their summer spending plans by offloading Helder Costa.

The Portuguese winger joined Leeds in an initial loan which became a permanent £15m deal in summer 2020.

Now in his second season at Leeds, Costa has played 61 times for United, scoring eight goals.

Helder Costa Leeds v Crawley

However, despite starting the season in the side, the arrival – and massive impact of Raphinha – has seen Costa’s game-time restricted. Indeed, Costa has started just 10 of Leeds’ 29 Premier League matches this season.

As such, a report on Saturday claimed Leeds could look to cash in on the star.

It’s claimed, however, that Leeds don’t expect to claw back their £15m investment. However, his potential sale is seen as one that Leeds can use to boost their transfer kitty this summer.

READ MORE: Liam Cooper leads tributes as Leeds legend Peter Lorimer passes away