Former Blackpool, Man City, Blackburn Rovers, and Sheffield Wednesday Star Becomes Free Agent at 24
A former Blackpool winger is now a free agent following a transfer decision from Leeds United.
Ian Poveda, formerly of Blackpool, is seeking a new club after being informed that his contract with Leeds United will not be renewed. Leeds recently published their retained list, with Poveda among 11 players departing Elland Road this summer. Also leaving are Charlie Allen, Luke Ayling, Lewis Bate, Keenan Carole, Stuart Dallas, Cuba Diboe, Scott Godden, Morten Spencer, Harvey Sutcliffe, and Dani van den Heuvel.
Stuart Dallas has announced his retirement after two seasons sidelined by injury, while Luke Ayling has signed permanently with Middlesbrough.
In a message to the departing players, Leeds stated: “We would like to express our thanks to those players who will leave the club in the coming weeks and wish them well for the future.”
Poveda joined Leeds from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee in January 2020, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal. He made 30 appearances for Leeds. In the 2021/22 season, he was loaned to Blackburn Rovers, where he registered two assists and a goal. During Leeds’ time in the Premier League, Poveda was loaned again, this time to Blackpool, where he scored three goals and made two assists in the 2022/23 campaign, which ended in relegation for the Seasiders.
This season, the Colombian international started at Leeds and remained until January before joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan, where he appeared 10 times and provided one assist. Sheffield Wednesday, having secured their Championship status, are interested in signing Poveda permanently. Birmingham City also showed interest when Tony Mowbray was in charge, but it is unclear if he remains on their shortlist following the appointment of Spurs assistant coach Chris Davies.
Poveda’s next move remains uncertain, but his availability on the free-agent market is likely to attract attention from several clubs.
