At the beginning of the transfer window, we knew that Leeds wanted to bolster three positions this month.
Indeed, the Whites were apparently after a goalkeeper, a striker and a winger.
Their ‘keeper situation seems to be all wrapped up as Elia Caprile looks set to come through the door at Elland Road.
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It also looks as if United are going to bring in a winger as Ian Poveda has been strongly linked to the Yorkshire club and they’re expected to meet with him later this week.
The 19-year-old is supposedly highly-rated by both Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta, but he’s played just one senior game in his career.
With the Whites already having Pablo Hernandez and Helder Costa at the club there are questions to be raised as to whether or not this signing would be worthwhile.
It’s a tough one to ponder, so we asked our team of writers to give their verdicts on the matter.
Jack Saville “While Poveda may be a graduate of the internationally revered Barcelona academy and a current Manchester City player, there is no doubt this would be a calculated gamble from Victor Orta. “The 19-year-old is an unknown entity at senior level but his record in City’s youth ranks – six goals and eight assists in 37 appearances for the U23s – does lend reason to believe he could be a success under a manager of Marcelo Bielsa’s calibre. “He has already reportedly taken advice from Raheem Sterling in training and his experience working alongside elite talents could hold him in good stead to make an impact at Elland Road. “The lack of financial commitment required to seal this deal is naturally a strong pulling factor for Leeds’ decision-makers, but there is also a strong chance Poveda could fade into obscurity if he fails to hit the ground running early on. In the event Leeds are unable to sign a loanee with senior experience, they should go for Poveda as a last resort.” Kealan Hughes
“Signing Poveda would be another intriguing move by Bielsa but like many Victor Orta signings it has the potential to go both ways, and that is a risk Leeds could do without at this moment in time.
“Bielsa has surprised many by turning the likes of Ben White and Jack Harrison into important players for the Whites, one winning the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month earlier in the season and the other contributing to 11 goals. However, it would take a lot for him to do the same with the Man City player, and it is unlikely he would get in ahead of Harrison, Helder Costa or Pablo Hernandez in the starting line-up.
“Making the step-up from Brentford’s academy to the Man City youth ranks shows Poveda has been highly rated in the past, but unless he can guarantee an improvement on Leeds’ current crop then the club should look elsewhere.”
Lewis Blain “There will be plenty of doubts surrounding Ian Poveda’s move to Leeds United but it could be a wise switch for all involved. The 19-year-old won’t have much of a future at the Premier League champions with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva ahead of him but having learned first-hand from the former, it stands him in good stead to make an impact elsewhere.“Leeds’ right-flank has been an inconsistent area for quite some time with Helder Costa failing to live up to the required standard at times. Thee goals and two assists in 27 matches isn’t the greatest return for a winger, per Transfermarkt, while at the weekend he squandered three chances as they lost to local rivals Sheffield Wednesday. Poveda can offer a better option than Costa for sure, especially as he’s been earmarked for having an eye for goal.“This risky move comes with plenty of upside, just as long as Marcelo Bielsa can work his magic.” Charles Jones
“I think that Ian Poveda would be a wholly unnecessary signing and one that could disrupt the camp at Leeds United.
“The Spaniard has become unsettled at Man City due to being dropped back down to the U23s, and he may find himself in a very similar situation at Leeds. It’s going to be tough for him to get in the side above two-time Player of the Year winner Pablo Hernandez and £15m man Helder Costa ahead of him.”
“I’m not sure why Leeds feel like they need a Jack Clarke replacement. He played just 19 minutes for them this term and thus, they should steer clear of this signing.”
In other news, it may be time for Leeds to drop one player after consistent poor performances.