Adama Traore to Leeds: How does he compare to their current wingers?

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT
• 3 min read

Adama Traore could be heading out the Wolves exit door in the January transfer window, if reports are to be believed.

The Spaniard has been at Wolves since 2018, when he signed from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Molineux in recent times. He has now been linked with a move to Leeds United in January, but how does Traore compare to the current right-wingers Helder Costa and Raphinha?

As we can see above, Traore had a fruitful season last term for Wolves, which makes it all the more remarkable that the club may be contemplating moving him on in January. He was an almost ever-present for Nuno Espirito Santos’ side in the league last season, and amassed a respectable four goals and nine assists, as Wolves finished in the top seven of the table.

Traore v Costa v Raphinha

But the arrival of Nelson Semedo from Barcelona has limited his involvement in 20/21 and the player has grown frustrated at his lack of involvement.

Helder Costa, who occupies the same position as Traore for Leeds, had a respectable season under Marcelo Bielsa last term but has

Costa, who is two years older than Traore, didn’t produce the same kind of numbers in Leeds promotion season. Despite starting this Premier League season well, he has tailed off and his since lost his place to Raphinha.

The Brazilian was signed from Rennes in October for £16m and is now the undisputed starter on the right.

Raphinha cost a lot of money and scored the winner away at Everton, so it’s difficult to see Leeds giving up on him or make him rotate. Traore would still cost a lot of money and Leeds have other areas that need strengthening.

Despite his lack of form, and playing time this season, Traore is still capable of being a standout wingers on his day. What’s more, Victor Orta is known to be an admirer, having taken him to Middlesbrough from Aston Villa.

But much would depend on the fee. Traore may be willing to move, but Marcelo Bielsa may have have other targets, and positions, in mind.