Pundit: Poveda won’t play for Leeds again after fall-out with Bielsa
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Ian Poveda has “played his last game for Leeds United” after he joined Blackburn Rovers on loan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward suggested there may be no way back for Poveda after falling out of favour under Marcelo Bielsa.
The Whites confirmed yesterday (23 August) that the winger will spend the rest of the 2021/22 campaign with Rovers.
Football Insider reported on 13 August Poveda had been dropped down to Leeds’ Under-23s squad amid a behind the scenes fallout.
This site then reported four days later the 21-year-old was set for a late-window exit and Leeds were even open to a permanent sale.
The former England Under-20 international featured in 14 Premier League games last season – all from the bench.
Poveda was regarded as a big talent by the Yorkshire giants but Agbonlahor has suggested he may have no long-term future at Elland Road.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I think he’s played his last game for the club.
“He [Bielsa] looks like the sort of manager who doesn’t give second chances if you cross him.
“Maybe Poveda wants that as well. A new start where he can go and play his football where he gets on with the manager.
“Maybe it’s one that suits both player, manager and the clubs.”
Poveda has managed 20 appearances for Leeds since signing from Manchester City in January 2020.
That includes just three starts – one each in the Championship, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
In other news, a bold Leeds United summer signing prediction has been dropped as “fabulous” footage emerges.