Last season, the team lacked the necessary confidence to ensure consistent goal-scoring match after match, as the forwards were not efficient enough in front of the goal. Consequently, The Potters' goal contributions were spread among various players in the squad.
In this transfer market, Stoke City is working closely with their technical and administrative staff to find the pieces that will fit the club and contribute to the next season.
Hélder Costa is without a team!
Currently, among the players without a club, we find Hélder Costa, one of the fastest wingers in the EFL Championship, who is now a free agent. At 30 years old, the Angolan footballer has had a notable career, but since leaving Leeds United in 2023, he has not found a team to sign with.
Despite his last team being Leeds United, Hélder Costa spent his final season on loan in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad. During the 2022/2023 season, he played 18 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. After returning from his loan to Leeds United, his contract ended, and he became a free agent.
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For Stoke City, this would be a great opportunity to strengthen the right wing with Costa's speed and dribbling skills. The only concern is his lack of physical activity and match fitness, as he has been without a club since October 6, 2023, which means he has been out of continuous competitive play for over eight months.
This is one of the options to consider, with a thorough evaluation of his career and the reasons why he hasn't found a team in so long. But with the need to reinforce the attack, Hélder Costa could be a valuable asset.
The team managed by Steve Schumacher also needs to secure a signing before the preseason begins to work under the best conditions for the 2024/2025 EFL Championship season.