Leeds United has reportedly opted to release a former Blackpool standout for free in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Ian Poveda is set to depart Elland Road without a new contract, as per Football Insider. The 24-year-old’s current deal with Leeds will conclude at the end of the season, and he is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals. Poveda joined Sheffield Wednesday on Deadline Day after coming close to joining Birmingham City, their fellow strugglers in the relegation battle. Since joining Sheffield Wednesday, Poveda has made seven appearances and contributed one goal at Hillsborough.
Both Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday are vying to sign Poveda permanently in the summer. A report from TEAMtalk corroborates Football Insider’s information, stating that Poveda is open to offers and may be swayed by the most enticing deal. The outcome could hinge on which club can avoid relegation, potentially influencing Poveda’s decision on where to sign.
Currently, there is no indication that Blackpool is interested in acquiring Poveda, although he possesses the skills necessary to compete in the Championship.
Poveda, a two-time Colombian international, spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Blackpool, making 26 appearances and contributing three goals and two assists under various managers. Upon returning to Leeds last summer, he made 10 appearances but was mostly limited to cameo roles, accumulating a total of 248 minutes. Leeds, aiming for promotion to the Premier League, deemed it beneficial to loan him out to aid in his development.
Looking ahead, Blackpool faces contract negotiations with several players in the summer, including Callum Connolly, Sonny Carey, Marvin Ekpiteta, James Husband, Shayne Lavery, Matty Virtue, and Richard O’Donnell, all of whom are out of contract. Additionally, Karamoko Dembele, George Byers, Hayden Coulson, and Jordan Rhodes will return to their parent clubs at the end of their loan spells.
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