Ian Poveda mystery deepens as Sunderland journalist reveals he was told wrong information
Ian Poveda has been a peripheral figure since his move to Sunderland last summer.
Sunderland signed Poveda on a free transfer after his contract at Leeds United ran out, but he has made just six senior appearances for the Black Cats.
The 25-year-old Colombia international has not managed to score a single goal or provide an assist for Regis Le Bris’ side.
Poveda has also faced multiple injury issues since joining Sunderland and has only played 81 minutes for the first team.
James Copley fed wrong information about Ian Poveda
Regis Le Bris’ side have made a number of new signings this summer and the transfer activity may still not be over.
Ahead of the transfer deadline, there could be certain players who are shown the door as well.
Given Poveda’s form and fitness issues at Sunderland, he could be one of those made redundant in the coming days.
With the international break around the corner, James Copley claims he was fed wrong information about the Colombian.
The Sunderland Echo journalist reported on 29 August that he was told that the 25-year-old was going to be picked for his national team squad.
However, Poveda’s name was missing when the announcement was made.
- Read more: Harrison Jones and the next Jordan Henderson – the Sunderland youngsters set for breakout season
Ian Poveda could be leaving Sunderland
Poveda’s omission from the squad may well be at his own request, as the 25-year-old winger seeks to finalise a transfer away from the club amid mounting speculation.
Having joined on a free transfer and struggled with injuries and limited impact, making just a handful of appearances, he is free to depart and has even featured for the Under-21s to stay sharp.
| Statistic | Ian Poveda |
| Matches | 6 |
| Goal contributes | 0 |
| Minutes played | 81 |
With the Premier League transfer deadline looming on Poveda prioritises securing his future over lingering as a fringe squad player for his country, especially since different leagues abroad operate varying windows that could extend opportunities for a move.
For Sunderland, freshly promoted to the top flight and boasting a revamped squad with 12 new signings, parting ways with Poveda is essential to trim wage costs, eliminate deadwood and fund further reinforcements aimed at Premier League survival, allowing the club to focus on players aligned with Le Bris’ vision.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.