A medical expert has warned about this Sheffield Wednesday transfer target’s injury record and fitness levels.
Sheffield Wednesday announced their ninth summer signing on Saturday morning.
The Owls have signed Nathaniel Chalobah on a free transfer following his release at Championship rivals West Brom.
One-cap former England international Chalobah adds another name and another dose of quality to Sheffield Wednesday’s growing list of summer arrivals.
And more are expected before the Owls kick-start their 2024/25 Championship campaign with a home game vs Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on August 11th.
Danny Rohl’s side are now being linked with free agent centre-back Mickael Nade following his release from French outfit St Etienne, who earned promotion to Ligue 1 last season.
The Owls are rivalling West Brom for that signing, and the two teams are also linked with a free transfer for Ian Poveda following his Leeds United release.
But a medical expert has warned both clubs about a possible move for Poveda.
Medical expert warns Sheffield Wednesday about possible Ian Poveda move
Poveda joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Leeds United during the last January transfer window.
The Colombian featured 10 times in the Championship and grabbed one assist after previously featuring seven times for Leeds United in the first half of the campaign.
Poveda missed the final five games for Wednesday but was mostly available for Leeds United.
But he’s faced injury woes in the past, and now, medical expert Dr Rajpal Brar has given his verdict on what tams could expect from Poveda next season, should they bring in the 24-year-old.
Brar told West Brom News: “The lack of game time last season was certainly concerning even though he did not miss too many games due to injury.
“The key for West Brom or any club signing him will be bedding him in gradually and methodically due to that lack of game time so a cautious approach here is what they’ll look to take.
“That process always involves some risk of injury but that’s part and parcel. I’d not expect him to play 90 minutes week in and week out for the first month or two.“
Do Sheffield Wednesday still need to sign Ian Poveda
There’s no doubting that bringing Poveda back on a permanent deal would go down very well with the Sheffield Wednesday faithful.
He remains a very well-liked player in S6 with his performances last season giving the club a spark in attack, and giving the fans a real lift during what was a tough period.
He was missed in the final games of the season. But Rohl got a tune out of his side nonetheless, proving that Sheffield Wednesday can perform well without Poveda.
What’s more is that Poveda would more than likely spend an amount of time on the sidelines next season.
His return would also take up space in the wage bill which could be used on a player who may be able to guarantee more availability than Poveda.
Rohl still need attacking players like Poveda and if he does return and does stay fit, he’d prove to be a very influential signing.
But Brar’s comments definitely highlight potential risks with a move for Poveda.