Loanees returning to Leeds United this summer face a fight to turn the tide in their favour and prove they have a future at Elland Road. Those who were let go last summer were deemed surplus to requirements at that stage.
Whether that was experienced players unable to make the grade or youngsters needing experience away from the glare of the Premier League, Marcelo Bielsa’s keenness for a lean squad left little room for fringe options. Ian Poveda was one such winger failing to prove he was worthy of minutes to the Argentine.
In United’s first season after promotion, Poveda failed to start a single Premier League match. The 22-year-old would make just six league appearances in the second half of 2020/21 and his absence from last summer’s pre-season programme put the writing on the wall.
