Filipe Gui Paradela Maciel da Costa was signed from Larissa by Dennis Wise on transfer deadline day, 31 August 2007. Portugese winger Filipe joined Leeds United when they were unbeaten in Legue One but still on minus six points owing to the Football League punishing Leeds fans for the financial misdeeds of various directors
over the past six years, by making the club start on minus fifteen points in their first season in League One. Happily for Filipe and Leeds fans and sadly for the Football League Chairman, the appropriately named Lord (God Almighty? - in his own eyes at least - Ed.) Mal-whine-y, his attempt to get United relegated straight to League Two seems to have hit the rocks after just three games.
Filipe is a lively, skilful, naturally left-footed midfielder with a hard shot who can play on both wings. Talented players often attract agricultural tackles for lesser-skilled players and Filipe has been known to retaliate - Filipe may have to look beyond Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet for lessons on keeping one's temper on the pitch!
Anyway, welcome to the fight Filipe! Thanks for joining Leeds United!
Filipe, obrigado por ficar um membro da nossa equipe, Leeds Unido!
Filipe started off in the Benfica under nines team, but here is Filipe's professional career to date:
Season Team
2007/08 Leeds United
2006/07 Ionikos/Larissa (Greece)
2005/06 Ionikos (Greece)
2004/05 Reggiana/Ionikos
2003/04 Reggiana (Italy)
2002/03 Sp. Braga B (Portugal)
2001/02 Amora FC (Portugal)
See videos of his goals here
Update: 12/9/2007 Leeds United are still awaiting international clearance for him to play for Leeds as the Greeks are claiming he is still under contract. Leeds are assured this is not the case and that it is due to the way that Greek football contracts are drafted. Leeds have already stated that da Costas' signing is on the basis that it is a free transfer - so there is no way that they have been trapped into paying for the player.
Filipe made his debut in a closed door friendly against Chesterfield on Tuesday on 11/9/2007. He scored a "terrific" free- kick which bodes well for the his future at Elland Road. (We won 2-1 after Bayly scored the winner thre minutes from time).
This page last updated: 12 September 2007
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