Ian Poveda has unfortunately become something of a forgotten man at Leeds United having not made an appearance for the Whites in more than 18 months.
Poveda left Elland Road in the summer, joining Blackpool on loan. It was little surprise to see him head to the Championship having signed for Blackburn last season.
His time at Ewood Park was cut short by an awful injury. So another loan looked to make sense for the 22-year-old as he looks to force his way back into the fold at Elland Road.
Leeds may need to rethink Poveda loan in January
Sadly, it appeared to be a huge task for Poveda already. The winger had been bright when he did get an opportunity under Marcelo Bielsa. But he was never quite able to stamp his authority on a place in the side.
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And clearly, his injury set him back further.
He was always going to need time to get his development back on track. But, in terms of his Leeds career, it did seem that his move to Bloomfield Road may be make or break for Poveda.
Frustratingly, Poveda’s time with Blackpool is yet to really get going.
He has only made three starts in the Championship, with a further five appearances coming from the bench. And annoyingly, he has been ill more recently.
Michael Appleton said that he was ‘unfortunate‘ not to play more. But with the January transfer window just around the corner, Leeds have to consider whether he would be better off elsewhere.
If they have the option, the Whites need to think about bringing Poveda’s current loan to an end in the hope of finding him another club where he can potentially play more.
The uphill task facing Poveda of trying to make it at Leeds has arguably only got steeper. He surely cannot afford to spend much longer on the sidelines.