Ian Poveda transfer verdict emerges as West Brom line up move to The Hawthorns
Carlton Palmer feels West Brom could miss out to Sheffield Wednesday in the race for Ian Poveda’s signature.
Poveda is set to become a free agent this summer when his Leeds United contract expires, with several clubs – including the Baggies – reportedly interested in the 24-year-old.
But Palmer feels Poveda’s brief loan spell at Wednesday will be a key factor in his decision – though he did not rule out a move to clubs with larger budgets such as West Brom and Luton Town.
Speaking to Football League World (11 June), he said: “Ian Poveda, the winger from Leeds United will see his contract expire. West Brom and Luton Town, along with Sheffield Wednesday, have joined the race for his signature.
“Luton Town and West Brom are going to be in the running at the top end of the table. But he wouldn’t have too far to move – if at all – from Leeds to Sheffield Wednesday.
“But West Brom and Luton are going to be up there [challenging for promotion], so obviously it will be a factor in terms of his salary. But, in terms of where he’s enjoyed his football and had a resurgence, it was at Sheffield Wednesday and that must be a key factor in where he puts pen to paper.”
How hard should West Brom push to land Ian Poveda?
At 24 years old, Poveda is dangerously close to becoming a player who never fulfils his potential.
His departure from Manchester City’s youth ranks in January 2020 to join Leeds was made with a first-team pathway in mind, but he has played just 862 senior minutes of football – less than 10 games’ worth – for the Whites in all competitions since then.
His loan spells in the Championship have not been as fruitful as he would have liked, either. He managed just 373 league minutes for Blackburn Rovers in 2021/22 – though he did score and lay on two assists – while the 2022/23 campaign with Blackpool brought just three goals and two assists in 26 outings across all competitions.
Poveda’s latest spell at Sheffield Wednesday saw him develop a good rapport at the club – but his production continued to disappoint, with no goals and one assist in 10 Championship outings.
The Colombia international’s talent is obvious – but head coach Carlos Corberan will hardly expect the club to break the bank to convince Poveda to move to The Hawthorns rather than elsewhere.
In other West Brom news, Harry Whitwell can hit new heights next season under Corberan.
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