Leeds United newbie Ian Poveda has caused quite the stir in Colombia

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Plenty of Leeds United fans have been left disappointed regarding summer signing Ian Carlo Poveda. Leeds snapped up the Manchester City talent in a deal which, according to the Manchester Evening News, could be worth up to £1 million. 

However, Leeds fans have not yet got a good look at Poveda, who has largely been playing under-23s football since arriving. Clearly, Marcelo Bielsa feels Poveda is not yet at the standard to play regularly in the Leeds first-team. 

A recent video of his stunning assist in an under-23 clash with Barnsley has not helped to stop the clamour for his first-team chance. 

But it appears that is not only in West Yorkshire where fans are hoping to see him in action. 

The video of Poveda appeared to go viral and, in Colombia, fans are also wondering why they have not seen more of the 19-year-old. 

Though born in London and playing for the England under-20 side four times, Poveda is also eligible to play for Colombia. 

As reported by Antena 2, plenty of Colombia fans wanted to see Poveda get his chance with the Colombian under-23 side for the recent Olympic qualifying tournament. However, the Leeds star was not even called up for duty or asked about representing his nation. 

Manager Arturo Reyes reportedly suggested that Poveda was not considered as he was not ready to represent the nation fully, given his England youth caps. Reyes even made his feelings clear in discussion with Claro Marca last October.

“The issue of Poveda is clear, he is a player who has participated on multiple occasions with England, who has sung the anthem of his country on many occasions … we have capable players and they have not worn the shirt of another country.”

He was also quoted as telling Colombia AS much the same in February last year, in relation to a potential call-up for the Colombian Under-20 World Cup side.

“A player who has worn the shirt of another country for so many years cannot feel the shirt of this National Team. I will not call him.”

This was despite Poveda’s father and the player themselves suggesting it was the Leeds newbie’s dream to one day play for Colombia, as detailed in this report from Sport Witness.

Colombia’s under-23s eventually fell short of qualification for the Olympics and many fans were left flabbergasted that Poveda continues to be overlooked. 

Leeds fans will just hope he can live up to this promise in the years to come, whether he plays for England or Colombia.