The forward is only with the club on a temporary basis, as things stand, but that could change in the summer
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ike Ugbo’s impact could secure Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship survival, but his departure will be felt by fans.
- Ugbo found his form with crucial goals, potentially worth a permanent deal, depending on securing their spot in the league.
- Backing manager Danny Röhl is key for Wednesday’s future success, as they may lose him to other clubs if not supported fully.
Sheffield Wednesday are on the verge of pulling off one of the most unlikely Championship survival stories of all time, but one of their most important players is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Ike Ugbo, a 25-year-old Canadian forward, joined the Owls on loan in January. The Troyes striker spent the first half of the season with Cardiff City before his contract was cut short to allow him to move to Hillsborough.
Ugbo did not get started right away after joining. His first few games were similar to those he played for Cardiff, during which he scored only four goals between the start of the 2023/24 season and the middle of January.
But, after a few games, he found his shooting touch and scored six goals in five games, helping Wednesday score 12 points out of a possible 15.
The last goal in that run came against Rotherham United in early February. Prior to Saturday, that was his last goal for the Owls, but he got back to his scoring ways against West Bromwich Albion.
He struck one of the three goals that helped Danny Röhl’s side breeze past the Baggies on route to collecting three points, which could secure their place in the Championship for the 24/25 campaign.
They face Sunderland this weekend, and a point is all they need to clinch safety.
| Championship Table (As it stands April 29th) | ||||
| Team | P | GD | Pts | |
| 17 | QPR | 45 | -12 | 53 |
| 18 | Stoke City | 45 | -15 | 53 |
| 19 | Blackburn Rovers | 45 | -16 | 50 |
| 20 | Sheffield Wednesday | 45 | -26 | 50 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 45 | -12 | 48 |
| 22 | Birmingham City | 45 | -16 | 47 |
| 23 | Huddersfield Town | 45 | -27 | 45 |
| 24 | Rotherham United (R) | 45 | -55 | 24 |
Wednesday appeared to be on the verge of relegation for much of the season, but Ugbo’s strong performance gave them a fighting chance, and they have undoubtedly taken the fight to the opposition.
Fans will be saddened to see Ugbo, who has assisted them so much in their struggle for survival, depart Hillsborough. However, there is a chance that the Canadian will return to the club permanently next season.
Football League World’s Wednesday fan pundit, Callum Maxted, discusses a potential summer deal for the striker.
Sheffield Wednesday fans’ thoughts on likely Ike Ugbo summer transfer.
Maxted believes that any permanent deal for the 25-year-old will be more expensive today than it would have been previously, and that the club will need to ensure their position in the second division if they want to lure him back.
“It’s a difficult one because I think his price has inflated since he’s been with us,” remarked a supporter of the Owls.”He’s under contract with Troyes until 2026, so I believe it would cost at least a couple of million to sign him permanently.
“However, as seen in the Duncan McGuire case, we were willing to spend money on him. If we are willing to spend on Ugbo as well, it would be a good step, but I believe we need to be in the Championship for that to happen.”
Sheffield Wednesday must back. Danny Röhl
If Dejphon Chansiri does not recognise how outstanding the club’s present manager is and does not give him as much support as possible, Wednesday will be destined to remain in the second division and never progress.
Based on his track record, the German manager has the potential to propel them to mid-table next season.
But they may do so much more, and keep him for much longer, as stories of Sunderland’s interest in the young coach circulate, if they decide to go all in on him, whether or not it includes Ugbo’s permanent transfer.
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