Sheffield Wednesday to make move for former Chelsea man after starring role at Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday probably wouldn’t be in the Championship if Iké Ugbo hadn’t scored.

The former Chelsea player joined Hillsborough in the January transfer window, scoring eight goals and assisting in 18 league matches to help the Owls make the great escape and remain in the second division for next season.

Ugbo became a popular character at S6, and Danny Röhl lauded him for both his general play and his goals, so it’s no surprise that Wednesday wants to bring him back for next season.

It may not be an easy transfer to complete given that he still has two years left on his current contract with ESTAC Troyes in Ligue 2, but with the club on the verge of relegation to the third division of French football, a bargain deal may be available.

The 25-year-old’s performance in the second part of the season would have undoubtedly alerted other teams to his abilities, but The Star understands that the Owls and Danny Röhl are hoping that his recent stay in South Yorkshire will help them in their pursuit.

He thanked fans for their support during his loan term in a social media message on Wednesday, stating, “Thank you everyone for the experience you have given me this season… When I originally joined the club in January, I was aware of the uphill battle we faced. But I knew right away that the club’s unity would carry us through.

“We were successful because to the manager’s belief and the fans’ unwavering support.Even though it’s only been a few months, our trip together has been one I’ll never forget. “Thank you, Owls.”

This magazine has previously reported that Wednesday are interested to sign fellow loanee Ian Poveda on a permanent basis, but his status as a free agent beginning July 1st makes that a possible easier transaction to complete with fewer moving parts.

Röhl has previously stated that he wants to complete transactions as quickly as possible over the summer in order to best prepare for the upcoming season, and if they can reach an agreement with Troyes and Ugbo, it will be a significant boost to their 2024/25 preparations.