Leeds United winger Ian Poveda could be set for an unexpected deadline day exit, with fellow Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City set to do battle for the Colombian’s signature.
Despite manager Daniel Farke’s adamant claims that there would be no more outgoings from his squad before the closing of the January transfer window, it now appears as if Poveda could be heading for the Elland Road exit door, with Leeds open to a permanent move for the 23-year-old.
Poveda joined Leeds in the January of 2020 from Manchester City as a player of considerable promise and – despite impressing early on in his career for the Whites – has repeatedly struggled to establish himself as a mainstay in the starting XI of any manager Leeds have had since then.
His current contract in West Yorkshire is set to expire this summer, and as such Leeds are understood to be open to selling the winger – rather than loaning him out – so they make some money off of him rather than see him depart for free later this year.
What is the latest?
The development comes from BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope, who wrote on social media platform X that late interest has emerged in Poveda’s services from Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham.
As Pope recognises, it was current Birmingham boss Tony Mowbray who had Poveda play for him on loan during a five-year stint at Blackburn Rovers.
Winger Ian Poveda could be on his way out of #LUFC in a permanent move. Sheffield Wednesday & Birmingham City showing interest. Blues boss Tony Mowbray had Poveda on loan at Blackburn Rovers.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) February 1, 2024
The Athletic’s Leeds United writer Phil Hay then also commented on the story, adding that Poveda has a “choice of clubs” interested in acquiring his services and adding that Leeds are willing to let him leave on a permanent basis.
All going smoothly with Conor Roberts medical etc. Set to finalise shortly.
Ian Poveda most likely on the way out of Leeds. Choice of clubs for him. Deal up in the summer, Leeds will let him go permanently.https://t.co/hC9YzxXOz3
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) February 1, 2024
Leeds should seriously consider selling Poveda after late development
Touted as a generational talent when he first signed for Leeds from Man City, early glimpses suggested that Poveda may have a chance at a tangible long-term future at his new club.
And whilst the 23-year-old winger is undoubtedly talented, he has suffered from the fact that there have always been players ahead of him in the pecking order in West Yorkshire.
Whether it was Raphinha, Luis Sinisterra, Dan James, Willy Gnonto or Crysencio Summerville, there has always been another winger in the dressing room who factored higher in the current manager’s thinking when he was picking his strongest team.
At 23, Poveda is at the age where to not be getting regular minutes would be to his serious detriment when it comes to his development as a player, so it makes total sense for him to seek a move somewhere where he will be guaranteed more minutes.
From Leeds’ perspective, it makes sense to get some money from a permanent transfer for Poveda, rather than see him go for free when his contract expires in the summer. Overall, it is hard to argue that a move would be beneficial for all parties involved.
