According to the reports from Daily Mail, Leeds United are on the verge of securing the signature of Manchester City’s winger Ian Poveda. There were strong links that Serie A club Torino might be able to get his signature, but it seems like the Whites are now most likely to get their man. Scottish heavyweights Celtic were also said to be in the mix once.
The 19-year-old is in the final few months of his contract, and he is unlikely to have a future at the Etihad given the talent which Guardiola has at his disposal in the attacking half of the pitch. Poveda is currently an England u-20 international, and he can play on either of the flanks.
Leeds United lost the services of Jack Clarke, but the youngster didn’t feature in the Championship for the Whites this season. Bringing in a striker this month is considered as a priority for the club. However, the Yorkshire club could do with more attacking options at their disposal.
The Whites have struggled in the past few weeks, and they have failed to take their chances in the final third. United are in desperate need of adding players who have that midas touch in the final third and someone who can create goals.
Poveda is predominantly a right-winger, but we believe that he can feature even as an attacking midfielder for the Whites. United have used Helder Costa and Pablo Hernandez on the right flank so far this season. Costa has failed to deliver the goods after his signing made a lot of noise in the summer. Hernandez has struggled with injuries this campaign.
What can Poveda add to United’s team?
Poveda is known as a tricky player who showcases good control in tight spaces. Given his low centre of gravity (the winger stands in at 5ft5), he can wriggle out with his smart body movement and turns. The youngster also has an eye for a pass, and he was initially compared to David Silva due to his similar playing style. Poveda likes to start on the right flank and plays as an inverted winger from where he looks to drift into central areas.
Poveda would be a decent addition for the Whites, and he made his debut for Manchester City’s senior team as well this season. However, given his inexperience, he might take some time to settle in at the club. One shouldn’t expect miracles from him this season, but he could be a handy player on the bench. The Whites have a very thin squad, and Poveda would add the much-needed depth and competition for places.
