Sheffield Wednesday have failed in their bid to re-sign Ian Poveda.
Poveda was wanted by a host of Championship clubs this summer and eventually chose to join Sunderland.
The Colombian became a free-agent this summer after he was released by Leeds United and it was expected that Sheffield Wednesday would have an advantage in the race.
The Owls were eager to bring the winger back to the club after joining them on loan in January, but he eventually chose to move to Wearside on a four-year contract.
Poveda was ‘really happy’ with Sheffield Wednesday spell
Poveda spoke to the club media following his arrival at Sunderland and was quick to mention his time at Hillsborough.
In his first interview with the Black Cats, he said: “I think I know the division really well [now].
“Especially the last six months at Sheffield Wednesday and what I did over there to help them and the help they gave me as well. I really enjoyed my time over there and I have nothing but good things to say about the club and about the fans and the manager there. I’m really happy with how things went there.”
The winger’s injury record was always a concern
Poveda is one of the few players who Danny Rohl didn’t manage to persuade to stay in Yorkshire, with a number of new signings and players who have signed new contracts naming the German as one of the reasons they committed to the club.
The 24-year-old did admit that Sunderland’s head of coaching, Stuart English, played a key role in him moving up north, as he had known him since he was 15 years old.
So perhaps if it wasn’t for English then he would have chosen to return to Wednesday, but it was something completely out of the club’s control.
Poveda will be missed by Wednesday fans, but it certainly isn’t the end of the world.
The attacker showed his quality when he was available, but his injury record is clearly a huge concern and something that could well be a problem for Sunderland too.
Rohl has made some good attacking additions this summer and is forming a very solid Championship squad, so Poveda’s absence may well go unnoticed.