The fear of falling apart is looming large yet again at Elland Road following Leeds United’s shocking 2-0 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday. The Whites have dropped to second in the Championship standings. In contrast, the other teams competing for a playoff place are closing the gap in their attempt to attain an automatic promotion jeopardising Leeds’ potential Premier League return.
Marcelo Bielsa failed to keep hold of Eddie Nketiah and Jack Clarke for the remainder of the campaign. This has weakened the squad in terms of depth and balance which, in turn, has forced the gaffer to explore the winter market. According to Leeds Live, the club are keen on roping in a wide attacking option following Clarke’s exit and have identified Manchester City prodigy, Ian Poveda, as a replacement for his fellow countryman.
The 19-year-old England youth international joined the Skyblues’ youth ranks from Brentford back in the summer of 2016. He made a quick impression down the flanks and earned the attention of the West Yorkshire giants in recent months. Poveda is a regular for the City U23s and has been observed extensively by Leeds’ scouts before emerging as one of their prime transfer targets.
Gamble Worth The Risk For Leeds United?
The Whites have been benefitted from the loan system while strengthening the squad without investing heavily. Jack Harrison, currently on loan from Man City for the second successive season, is featuring week in week out down the left-hand flank. Poveda is rated highly for his versatility which enables him to play across the frontline.
His contract is set to expire shortly, and the youngster is likely to join either permanently or on loan for the time being before sealing a summer switch.
Why He Would Fit In Bielsa’s First-team Set-up
Although it was never going to be easy for the teenage prodigy at the Etihad, his excellence was rewarded with senior minutes last season in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg win over Burton Albion. However, the City man would have more gametime under Bielsa if he continues to impress like he has done so far in the academy ranks.
Poveda is effective from both the flanks and could also be moulded into a ‘number 10’ for his creative spark, ability to press and playing free-flowing football. The Argentine prefers players who are flexible and, therefore, should wrap his transfer up and deploy him as a sporadic squad option for the moment.
