HIGHLIGHTS
– Sheffield Wednesday aim to retain Ike Ugbo after a successful loan spell, despite interest from Birmingham and Stoke City.
– Ugbo’s resurgence under Danny Rohl’s management has attracted multiple clubs, putting pressure on Wednesday to secure his transfer.
– Troyes’ financial situation may impact Ugbo’s potential move, with Birmingham and Stoke ready to swoop in if a deal falls through.
Birmingham City and Stoke City are pushing to sign Troyes’ Ike Ugbo, although the striker is keen on returning to Sheffield Wednesday after his successful loan spell at Hillsborough.
Ugbo starred for Danny Rohl’s side as they defied the odds to stay in the Championship last season, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances, all contributing to the Owls’ crucial points.
| Championship standings 2023/24 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 17 | Stoke City | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 18 | QPR | 46 | -11 | 56 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers | 46 | -14 | 53 |
| 20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | -24 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | -11 | 51 |
| 22 | Birmingham City (R) | 46 | -15 | 50 |
| 23 | Huddersfield Town (R) | 46 | -29 | 45 |
| 24 | Rotherham United (R) | 46 | -52 | 27 |
Therefore, bringing Ugbo back to Yorkshire has been a priority for Wednesday this summer, but the Sheffield Star has revealed that their initial offer for the player has been unsuccessful.
Ike Ugbo Transfer Latest
Interestingly, it is also reported that Stoke and Birmingham are closely monitoring Ugbo, despite the Canadian international’s preference for a return to Wednesday.
However, if Wednesday can’t agree on a fee with Troyes, they risk other clubs swooping in to secure a deal.
It’s unclear what sort of fee the French side want for the former Cardiff City loanee, but the side suffered relegation to the third tier last season, so they aren’t in the strongest negotiating position, even if Ugbo is under contract until the summer of 2026.
Ike Ugbo could continue to flourish under Danny Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday
Even though he’s only 25, the move to Wednesday was incredibly the ninth club Ugbo has played for in his career, not including Chelsea, where he came through the ranks but didn’t make a senior appearance.
It seems like it’s time for him to settle down at a club, which is presumably why Ugbo is pushing to stay with Wednesday after a successful loan spell last season.
Rohl’s man-management and tactical approach brought out the best in the former Genk player, leading to some of the best football of his career so far.
The German manager found a way to play to Ugbo’s strengths, making him a constant threat during the run-in with his movement and pace, and he crucially capitalized on the big chances that came his way.
Other clubs noticed this, which is why Birmingham and Stoke are also keen on Ugbo. This interest puts pressure on Wednesday to secure the deal swiftly.
Ike Ugbo Interest is Understandable
Ultimately, this transfer could come down to finances. If the Owls don’t provide the necessary funds for Ugbo, Stoke or Birmingham could potentially sign the player. As noted, it’s clear why clubs are chasing Ugbo, given the scarcity of goalscorers on the market and his promising form with Wednesday, suggesting he could be prolific at this level.
Danny Rohl Sends Dejphon Chansiri Message as Sheffield Wednesday Transfer Plans Revealed
The Owls have already brought in nine new players this summer.
Birmingham, despite being in League One, could be seen as an attractive option due to the ambition and financial power of their owners. Meanwhile, Stoke, aiming to progress under Steven Schumacher, could also appeal to Ugbo.
This situation could evolve quickly in the coming days and weeks, making it very interesting to see which club strikes a deal with Troyes for Ugbo first.