SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Ike Ugbo of Sheffield Wednesday looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Norwich City FC at Hillsborough on November 05, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Exclusive: Lee Hendrie offers Sheffield Wednesday somewhat surprising Ike Ugbo transfer advice..
Lee Hendrie has urged Sheffield Wednesday to keep hold of Ike Ugbo in the summer transfer window, despite the forward having an extremely poor campaign.
The 26-year-old joined the Owls at the start of the season from French side Troyes after a successful loan spell in the second half of 2023/24. The South Yorkshire side paid a reported £2.5m fee for the Canada international, but he has not been able to live up to that just yet.
The uncertainty surrounding Danny Rohl’s future at Hillsborough makes this summer an extremely interesting one for the club, but with a potential change of ownership in the future, anything could happen in the coming months.
Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to push on next season if they are able to keep hold of their incredible manager, but questions will be asked about the future of Ugbo in S9.
Hendrie weighs in on Ugbo’s future at Sheffield Wednesday
It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for the Owls, and they quickly put to bed their early struggles, before climbing up the table towards the play-off places.
However, their home form has been poor and this has left them in mid-table – a major improvement from 2023/24. Nevertheless, there will be great disappointment with the performances of Ugbo, who is yet to find the back of the net in the Championship since arriving permanently.
Despite this, speaking exclusively to Football League World, Lee Hendrie has told Sheffield Wednesday to keep hold of the striker in the summer, with new additions needed across the board.
Ike Ugbo playing for Sheffield Wednesday vs Burnley
He told FLW: “Sheffield Wednesday may obviously try and cut their losses with Ike Ugbo. He’s been a bit of a disappointment in the signing department, but I do seem to feel that where are Sheffield Wednesday going at this moment in time.
“I think that he could have a good season next season. I feel that he has got ability for sure. It just hasn’t worked for him at the moment.”
Ike Ugbo Sheffield Wednesday stats 2024/25 (FotMob)*
Appearances (starts)
33 (15)
Minutes played
1260
Goals (assists)
0 (0)
xG
4.07
Shots (on target)
22 (5)
Pass accuracy
79.1%
Chances created
16
Touches (in opposition box)
370 (49)
*Stats correct as of 16/04/2025.
Hendrie continued: “Sometimes that’s down to the personnel in the squad and getting better players in and around him. You also question if they are going to strengthen again after this season.
“I think that they need to keep players rather than get rid of players, and I think that he could be one that I would certainly keep hold of rather than cut their losses.”
Ugbo proved during his loan spell that he can score goals
Frustrations have grown over the course of the season with Ugbo’s performances, and his inability to finish chances has cost Sheffield Wednesday on multiple occasions.
However, he proved in 2023/24 that he can find the back of the net when he is full of confidence and on form. After costing the Owls a significant fee, they will still be hoping that the deal pays off, and it would not be a surprise to see him stay with the club in the summer.
Ike Ugbo
However, a loan out could be the best move for all parties and allow him to find his feet once again in a different environment. Sheffield Wednesday would be able to recall him in January if his performances pick up again, but if they do not, then a decision has to be made about Ugbo’s future.
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