Leeds United employee makes Ian Poveda prediction amid ‘massive’ claim
Noel Whelan has claimed Ian Poveda could step up if Raphinha leaves Leeds United.
The Whites ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, believes Poveda could prove himself to Jesse Marsch despite an injury-plagued loan spell last season.
According to The Athletic (22 June), Leeds rejected a bid from Arsenal for Raphinha as it did not meet the club’s valuation of the player.
Poveda was on loan with Blackburn Rovers last season but returned to the Whites to undergo rehabilitation following an injury.
The 22-year-old move to Elland Road from Manchester City in January 2020.
When asked if he thought Poveda could stake a claim at Elland Road this season, Whelan told Football Insider: “Yes.
“I think you’re looking at Poveda and Summerville, there’s an option there for both. Looking at the situation with Raphinha, if there’s a case to say ‘look there’s a space opening up there’ and it’s down to the players to prove to Jesse Marsch that they (Leeds) don’t need to go and spend money in the window.
“I think if you lose a player like Raphinha, it’s going to be very hard not to replace him just because of the stature that he has at Leeds United and the way he’s played.
“But, we do know that Premier League campaigns are long and arduous and there are going to be opportunities for these players to come in. It’s down to them to push bigger players away and claim that spot for their own.
“You’ve got to stay in the mind of Jesse Marsch and really impress and this is why preseason is massively important to players on the fringe.
“Those who are going out on loan could switch it all around by having a really successful preseason.“
In other news, Leeds United have been backed to sign ‘brilliant’ Charles De Ketelaere after £34m update.