According to Yorkshire Evening Post, Ian Poveda is in contention for a loan move away from Elland Road this summer. The young attacker fell out of favour at Leeds United despite several appearances last season. In an attempt to make a definitive breakthrough, the winger could now make a move elsewhere in a potential loan deal, especially after being omitted from the squad that faced Manchester United in the opening match.
Ian Poveda’s Spell At Leeds United So Far
Having played for Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City at the youth level, Ian Poveda was a bit of a marquee signing for Leeds United’s academy when he joined the club in January 2020. He made a move in search of a breakthrough at the highest level of football, though the club was still involved in a race for the Championship title at the time.
Poveda ended the 2019/20 campaign with just four league appearances. Fortunately for him, he was eventually given a chance to impress in the following season, with the winger even proving to be a useful option on the bench for Marcelo Bielsa during the first half of last season.
The young Englishman made a total of 11 appearances in the Premier League during the first half of the 2020/21 campaign. However, his progress stalled after an ankle injury that kept him out on the sidelines.
It was a painful moment for Poveda as the injury not only broke his momentum but also made it difficult for him to get back into the first-team scene. He ended the campaign with just three more appearances in the Premier League, often being demoted to the reserve side.
Does He Have Any Future At Leeds?
Ian Poveda showed glimpses of his brilliance during his substitute appearances in the Premier League last season. Poveda’s direct style of play and ability to take on defenders, combined with his crossing prowess, makes the Englishman a natural fit in Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical philosophy.
The youngster also has more experience in professional football than most of the other academy options. As such, it would perhaps be a wiser move from Leeds United to keep hold of Poveda this summer.
It is apparent that the team needs a more viable alternative to Jack Harrison and Raphinha than just Helder Costa, whose one-dimensional style of play makes him extremely predictable for the opposing defenders.
Poveda’s dynamic nature could thus be extremely useful for Leeds United in this long campaign, where they are expected to compete in three different tournaments.
