Carlton Palmer has explained the ‘key factor’ that could encourage Ian Poveda to return to Sheffield Wednesday.
Ian Poveda has one of the most impressive list of academies on his CV, having spent time with Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, Brentford and Manchester City.
Despite that, things began to go downhill following the winger’s exit from the Etihad Stadium.
Poveda joined Leeds United in 2020 but failed to make his mark on the senior squad and was subsequently sent out on three loan spells.
Injuries and poor form saw the Colombian’s career spiral, but his arrival at Sheffield Wednesday in January proved to be different.
Poveda failed to score and saw his season end early due to injury, however he managed to really impress at Hillsborough and made a key contribution to their survival.
The 24-year-old has since been released by Leeds and is on the radar of a number of Championship clubs, including Wednesday’s.
Danny Rohl could be a ‘key factor’ in Ian Poveda’s decision
Poveda doesn’t seem to be any closer to making a decision on his future, but former midfielder Carlton Palmer has tipped the Owls to have a major advantage in the race for his signature.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “Danny Rohl was a key factor in getting the best out of Ian, and surely this will influence who Poveda eventually signs for.
“He seemed to have a fantastic rapport with the squad and Danny Rohl, whilst the supporters took him to heart.
“Luton Town and West Brom are going to be in the running at the top end of the table,” he continued. “But, he wouldn’t have too far to move – if at all – from Leeds to Sheffield Wednesday.
“I suppose once he sits down with Danny Rohl and finds out what the situation will be for next season – are Sheffield Wednesday going to compete at the top end of the table?, which I believe they will if Danny’s allowed to recruit the players he’d like to bring to the football club – it would be a fantastic signing for Sheffield Wednesday.
He concluded: “But, West Brom and Luton are going to be up there (challenging for promotion), so obviously it will be a factor in terms of his salary. But, in terms of where he’s enjoyed his football and had a resurgence, it was at Sheffield Wednesday and that must be a key factor in where he puts pen to paper.”
Ian Poveda could make a huge mistake if he doesn’t rejoin Sheffield Wednesday
It seems very clear that a number of players were waiting for Danny Rohl to sign a new contract before making a decision on their future at Sheffield Wednesday, with the club massively benefitting from getting the deal done early doors.
Liam Palmer and Barry Bannan have already signed new contracts, while it is believed that Josh Windass is nearing a renewal too.
Loan players such as Poveda, Ike Ugbo and James Beadle are surely in a similar situation, with the latter looking likely to return to Yorkshire too.
Ugbo’s situation is trickier due to his price tag, but the Owls should have an easy road to sign Poveda if he gives them the green light.
The attacker has plenty of options to consider, but given how difficult his career has been so far, it makes complete sense for him to rejoin a manager who has already got the best out of him.
Wednesday will surely have a good chance at signing him again, though their current position and Rohl’s presence is also likely to mean they could bring in someone just as good if they needed to.