Leeds United are now set to lose Ian Poveda in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic.
Poveda left the club in the January window to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season and there is now a belief that the winger has featured the Yorkshire side for the final time.
The 23-year-old’s contract at Elland Road is up at the end of the season and Leeds are not expected to offer him a new deal between now and then. The report states that the club does not see a future for the former Manchester City academy player beyond this season.
London-born Poveda made just 10 appearances for the Whites this season before debuting for his new side against Huddersfield Town last week in a 4-0 defeat. He has made two appearances at international level for Colombia thus far in his career. He recently spoke about his happiness in leaving Leeds on loan for a fresh challenge with the Owls.
“I’m very happy to be here. I had a meeting with the manager. For me, that was the deciding factor. His style of play, his methodology – I was more than happy to come. I’m happy that it’s done. I’m excited.”
There are several players expected to leave along with the former England U20 international in June when their contracts expire. Luke Ayling is one of those along with Stuart Dallas and captain Liam Cooper. The Peacocks currently sit third in the Championship, one point behind Southampton in second who do boast a game in hand.
At present, there is no current buy option in the loan deal for Poveda. If Wednesday decide against signing the player on a permanent deal this summer, he will become a free agent, providing Leeds sticks to their decision not to offer him a new deal. The winger has a current market value of £769k, according to Transfermarkt.
Writer’s View
Poveda is a talented young player who was at one period in his career extremely highly rated when he left Manchester City’s academy. He has failed to live up to his true potential since then, but at just 23 years old, there are still several years of growth left in the international footballer.
Game time was always unlikely with the talent available to Farke at the moment, with the likes of Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville all in fabulous form this season. A move away could change the trajectory of the player’s career and help him refind the form that had him so highly rated during his teenage years.
