Sheffield Wednesday were desperate to sign Ian Poveda during the summer transfer window. But Sunderland won the race.
After impressing on loan from Leeds United during the second half of last season, Sheffield Wednesday were keen to welcome back Ian Poveda on a permanent deal.
Leeds United eventually released Poveda, who had no shortage of interest from England and abroad during the summer transfer window.
Wednesday fans waited eagerly to see the 24-year-old make a return to Hillsborough. But Sunderland eventually snapped him up on a three-year deal, with the option of a third year.
Since, Poveda has struggled at Sunderland, featuring three times in the Championship for the current league leaders.
Though all three appearances have been from the bench, late on in games, with the latest coming on Tuesday night where Poveda featured in the 2-0 win against Derby County.
Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris brought Poveda on midway through the second half. Soon after, he was forced to bring him back off.
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Ian Poveda latest injury blow frustrates Sunderland fans
Le Bris says that Poveda faces another few weeks on the sidelines for Sunderland, who’ve been waiting patiently for Poveda to reach full fitness this season.
And the latest news on Poveda has certainly frustrated some Sunderland fans who are quietening why the club even signed him in the first place.
One fan compared Poveda to Bradley Dack, calling him a ‘Dack 2.0’ after Dack spent last season with the Black Cats, but barely played due to injury.
Another similar comment compared Poveda to former Sunderland man Jack Rodwell who was injured throughout his time at the club.
Another posted on X: “I feel like Ian Poveda coming on for 10 minutes before immediately coming off injured is going to be a recurring theme this season.”
Meanwhile, other Sunderland fans are keen to see their young winger Tommy Watson given game time instead.
“I’d rather have Watson on the pitch,” said one fan, with anther adding: “I’d prefer Tommy to be honest.”
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Sheffield Wednesday dodged a bullet by not signing Ian Poveda
It certainly seems as though Poveda has options in the summer, and he may well have opted for Sunderland because of he contract offer on the table.
Danny Rohl knew first-hand the injury issues Poveda had and he may have instructed the club to only offer Poveda a one-year deal.
Now, it looks like Sunderland are stuck with Poveda for the next three years; he’s had so many opportunities to get back to full fitness but he simply can’t do so.
It’s unfortunate for the player, as he is a very talented individual at Championship level. But injuries continue to hinder his career.